FISU International Education Center to be founded in Kazan

MOSCOW – Today, July 30^th, in the framework of the first International Sports Forum “Russia – Country of Sports” the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding of the FISU International Education Center took place in Moscow.

Day 2 of the first International Sports Forum “Russia – Country of Sports” was marked with signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of the FISU International Education Center for developing international education, sports and cultural programs in university sports. The international education center will be run by the Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism in Kazan. The signing ceremony was attended by FISU President George E. Killian, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko, President of the Russian Student’s Sports Union Oleg Matytsin, Director General of the Kazan 2013 Executive Board Vladimir Leonov and other officials.

“The project that the Russian and Tatarstan governments have been implementing will provide a long-term prosperity of Russian and world university sports. It’s your country’s great merit”, Mr. George Killian addressed the ceremony attendees.

In his welcome speech Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov expressed gratitude to the Russian government for supporting the 2013 Universiade project noting that it was implemented in the atmosphere of mutual understanding. “We started as the city and the Republic that are to host a large sporting event but today we already discuss the Universiade heritage. The education center to be founded in Kazan will be among the best ones in its field. We are ready for this and are committed to implementing the terms of the memorandum we are signing today,” said Mr Rustam Minnikhanov.

Following the Tatarstan President’s speech, Mr. Vitaly Mutko expressed confidence that the Kazan Universiade would be staged on a high level and would provide the rich heritage including the unique FISU international education center.

Mr Oleg Matytsin also wished success in the project implementation. “I’m glad to be present at this event. Russia has always been leading the pack in university sports and youth policy. We exhibit that Russia is truly a country of sports,” he said.

(Source: Media Department of Kazan 2013 Executive Board)