Tatarstan's interim president tours Kazan 2015 venues

Today Interim President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov held a venue inspection in the lead-up to the 16th FINA World Championships.

During the tour, he was accompanied by Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan Ildar Khalikov, Minister of Construction, Architecture and Housing of the Republic of Tatarstan Irek Faizullin, Director General of the Executive Directorate for Sports Projects Azat Kadyrov, representatives of republican ministries and departments and executives of contracting agencies.

The first venue that was visited by Rustam Minnikhanov was the area on the bank of the Kazanka River opposite the Palace of Farmers where a tower will be erected to host high diving events. Works have already begun on the installation of this temporary facility. Rustam Minnikhanov inspected the bottom-deepening works and met with representatives of the contracting agency. The route of open water swimming events that are due to be held here as well were also shown to the Interim President. After viewing the venue, Rustam Minnikhanov instructed to carry out soft and hard landscaping works in the adjacent territory. He added that after the Championships the embankment will be one of the main recreational areas for citizens of Kazan.

The Interim President also inspected the premises of the Kazan Family Centre. Rustam Minnikhanov ordered to finish the improvement of the promenade area and spruce up lawns and pedestrian walkways. After that the presidential inspection team visited the Aquatics Palace, which is one of the key venues for the 16th FINA World Championships.

Rustam Minnikhanov checked the construction progress of a temporary water polo venue that will be located close to the Aquatics Palace. The venue will consist of a temporary pool and spectator stands. According to the contracting agency, a group of Italian experts is engaged in pool installation works, while Tatarstan builders are responsible for setting up the rest of temporary facilities. Rustam Minnikhanov said that it will be possible to use this venue even after the Championships end. He gave instructions to relevant officials to address this matter in order to turn the Water Polo Arena into a permanent venue following the competitions.  

The Kazan Arena Stadium was the last venue inspected by Tatarstan's Interim President. The FINA Water World Park will be set up in the area in front of the main entrance. A Tatar national farmstead, souvenir shops, Kazan 2015 partners' exhibition booths will be arranged here, with a live site broadcasting coverage of sporting events and a children’s play area also being available for visitors’ entertainment. 

Inside the stadium, Rustam Minnikhanov checked the readiness of temporary infrastructure facilities: two pools, spectator stands and canopy.