FISU Summer Universiades Director: "Kazan Universiade is the greatest event in FISU history"

According to Mark Vandenplas, the opening ceremony is the first proof of that. Also, a lot of heads of sports federations and candidates for heading International Olympics Committee came to Kazan. "Never before have so many VIPs attended Universiade," - said FISU Summer Universiades Director.

"We have always wanted to be second to Olympics. And now, we proved that we can," - he pointed out.

Mark Vandenplas thanked the Russian and Tatarstan authorities, as well as the Games' organizing committee for helping the world to know FISU better and for managing Universiade on such a high level.

According to Marat Bariev, Secretary General of Russian Olympics Committee, Russia and Kazan raised the plank for Universiade up to Olympics level.

Maria Kiseleva, a renowned synchronized swimmer and Universiade 2013 ambassador, called the opening ceremony "a celebration at the highest level".

Elmira Kallimullina, Meritorious Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan and Universiade 2013 ambassador, pointed out that she is proud of being a citizen of Tatarstan and that such a huge event takes place in Kazan.