Natalia Parshikova: People are the main legacy we gained thanks to the Universiade

"The main legacy that we gained from holding the 27th World University Summer Games is not only unique sports venues and infrastructure facilities that have changed the look of the city, but, first of all, people. Such projects give birth to professionals who contribute to the development of global sports. You helped turn the Universiade into such a stunning celebration! Believe me, if earlier people knew little about Kazan, today they all recall your city with gratitude. I think that the Universiade has become a model not only for you but also for the whole country; it has set a high standard, which Sochi now keeps up. We are grateful to you for selflessly implementing ​​this project, and, dare I say it, making ​​a heroic deed. During the Games, everyone worked under 'combat conditions' and thanks to this our Universiade was hailed as best ever. You were the initiators of a new sports model, which is of great importance to us. You set the pace for the further development of sports," said Natalia Parshikova.

By the Order of the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, employees of the Universiade Directorate were presented with Excellence in Physical Culture badges, Diplomas of the Ministry of Sports of Russia, and Letters of Commendation signed by Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko for their significant contribution to the development of physical culture and sports and active involvement in the preparation and delivery of the 27th Summer Universiade.

"We are very grateful for such a high commendation by the Sports Ministry of the Russian Federation of our team, our employees for staging the event. During all these years, we have felt your support. You can see how young our team is, but it has a wealth of experience. We are willing to work, and are pleased that the Directorate maintains its positions. I'm sure that we will live up to the trust, keep working for the benefit of Russian sports and help develop it," said Director General Director of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate, Azat Kadyrov.

FC Rubin CEO Vladimir Leonov, who had previously served as Head of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate, was present at the meeting and gave an emotional appreciation speech to the audience. "I want to thank all of you for the work we have done together. These were challenging but very happy years. The uniqueness of our Games lies in the fact that the Directorate will keep carrying out global sports projects - there are the FINA World Championships, the FIFA World Cup waiting ahead of us. The people who are present here today are capable to implement very ambitious tasks. I'm very happy to be here with you today and I express my sincere gratitude to you for your efforts and support. I wish you every success with your next ventures," Vladimir Leonov said.