All-Russian centre might be opened in Kazan to train volunteers for 2018 FIFA World Cup

The most important event of 2013 in the life of not only the republic, but the entire country was the 27th Summer Universiade. Natalia Parshikova warmly thanked all those who worked at the Games and were directly involved in making this mega event happen. She mentioned the unprecedented nature of innovative solutions that have been introduced in the build-up to the Universiade, and are now used in daily work at all levels. In particular, the Deputy Minister of Sports of Russia commended the Games transport infrastructure and robust logistics plan. In addition, Natalia Parshikova touched on the importance of developing national sports and reminded that thanks to Tatarstan's initiative Tatar national belt wrestling Koresh was included in the programme of the Summer Universiade 2013. "Until that time national sports have evolved only in one sregion and within public organisations, not sports federations. Now, I think, the situation will change. This is a major contribution of Tatarstan to the development of sports in the country," said Natalia Parshikova.

"We always face many problems that need to be solved but not every generation is lucky to host the Universiade. We were not only the participants but also the organisers of this event. Today among the audience there are people who brought this project to life: those who worked at venues, representatives of the coaching staff, hospitality services, athletes and so on. It's a big job and a hard school. We obtained skills, knowledge and investments. I am proud that during this period we were together, and I want to express my deep gratitude to the leadership of our country, the Games Organising Committee, the Ministry of Sports of Russia," said President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

Director General of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate, Azat Kadyrov, took the floor to give a report on the impact that these events had had on the city. He said that at the FISU Executive Committee meeting, the FISU officials once again expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Russia, of the republic and the entire Team 2013. At the International Sports Event Management (ISEM) Awards for excellence in the global sports event management industry, which were held in London on November 6, for the first time in the history of World University Games the Most Innovative Event award was given to the Kazan Universiade, while Kazan was named the Highly Recommended Sport City. 

"The Universiade accumulated all resources, allowed us to make great strides in the development of the region and the city, changed dramatically the way people think, encouraged them to start playing sports. Huge progress was made in the social adaptation of young people, the essence of which lies in the volunteer movement. This is a new trend in the lifestyle of younger generation; it will make boys and girls feel important and urge them adopt healthy lifestyles," said Azat Kadyrov. During the collegium session, he also came up with a proposal to create the nationwide centre, based in Kazan, to train volunteers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and defended his position, saying that "Kazan volunteers' experience is also in demand at the Olympic Games in Sochi, where more than 300 volunteers headed as part of the Tatarstan delegation and the FIFA World Cup project will require huge volunteer resource."

Azat Kadyrov also said that together with Kazan Federal University and Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism the Kazan 2013 SU organisers study the impact the Universiade had on the development of the region and the city in the period between 2009 and 2014. The study examines a wide range of issues, changes in the main life spheres of the city and the republic. "It should be noted that the preliminary results already show positive dynamics," said the Head of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate.

Preparation for the Universiade helped attract serious investments into the region's economy. Drastic changes in the transport infrastructure favourably affected the level of citizens' satisfaction with the quality of services rendered to them. The project gave a powerful boost to the construction of hotel infrastructure. According to citizens, construction of roads and traffic interchanges, as well as cleanliness and beautification of the city were the most significant positive changes in the life of the city. In addition, residents of Kazan mentioned new sports facilities, as well as renovated façades of buildings, greening of the city. The Universiade had a significant impact on the socio-cultural life of the citizens and guests of Kazan. The absolute majority of respondents expressed confidence that the World University Games were an impetus for people to start doing physical culture and sports. These figures have were some of the most important achievements of the Universiade.

The quality assessment of the 2013 Summer Universiade demonstrated very high standards of the Games security, accommodation, catering, and the Opening Ceremony. Well-coordinated volunteer work and a warm atmosphere that prevailed during the Universiade were also mentioned. Residents and visitors assessed positively events organised in the Universiade Park and said they were content with their quality. 

The sporting events were assessed from 4 indices: entertainment, programme, athletes' skills, event management. The Kazan Universiade received 6.5 points out of 7, whereas athletes - participants of the competition - gave 7 points, which is the highest score. Azat Kadyrov also provided the results of several reputable institutions, which had studied other indices such as social mood index of Tatarstan residents. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Economic and Social Studies under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan, the social mood index of people in Tatarstan went through a rather rapid and rhythmic growth, and five months after the Universiade people's optimism only increased.

The organisers have gathered practical experience in the management of high-profile events, which with the help of FISU and the International Educational Centre will be transferred to other organising committees. A constructive relationship has been established with the Organising Committee of the Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk.

Azat Kadyrov said that the Executive Directorate will keep its name and added that necessary structural changes will be made and goals and targets for the coming years will be identified. The main projects are the 2015 FINA World Championships and FINA World Masters Championships, as well as the preparation and delivery of major sporting projects scheduled for 2014-2018, including the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. A significant event in the world of sports, the World Fair Play Awards, will be another big thing for Russia and Tatarstan. "We consider this proposal as an acknowledgment of Russia and the republic's contribution to the international sports movement. The idea of hosting this event in Kazan was supported by Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko," said Azat Kadyrov.

At the end of the session, there was the awards ceremony. By the Order of the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, Director General of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate Azat Kadyrov, CEO of FC Rubin Vladimir Leonov, Chief Accountant and Director of the Accounting and Reporting Department of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate Vera Markukhina and Advisor to the Director General Olga Pavlova were awarded Badges of Honour For Merit in the Development of Physical Culture and Sports for their significant contribution to the development of physical culture and sports and contribution to the preparation and delivery of the 27th Summer Universiade.