2013 SU Update: Volunteers’ Academy visited by Honored Guests

KAZAN – Day 2 of the Volunteers’ Academy offered its participants lectures and workshops hosted by big-name public persons.

The Volunteers’ Academy that gathered more than 500 volunteers from all over Russia and countries abroad brightened up the grey cloudy autumn days in Kazan, having become the centre of creativity, positive emotions and inexhaustible energy. Thanks to the efforts of the organizers, the education program was enriched with interesting master classes and lectures by experts in sports, social policy, management and so on.

Thus, Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee of Russia Marat Bariev delivered a lecture titled ‘Development Strategy for Olympic Committee of Russia’. The person who initiated the bid campaign for the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan was met with the audience clapping and cheering. The ex-Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Tatarstan gave volunteers a glimpse into Russia’s preparations for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, Olympic movement and its 100-year history in Russia. The honored guest also gave a detailed review of the volunteers’ role in staging sporting events.

After Marat Bariev finished his speech, the floor was given to Press Officer of the Olympic Committee of Russia Maria Kiseleva. The three-time Olympic synchronized swimming champion took part in the press conference organized by beginner volunteer journalists who are taking a Volunteer Reporter 2013 training course. In the question and answer session Maria talked about her sports and journalist career, sports development in Russia and shared her impression of Kazan. Young boys and girls demonstrated their journalist skills and besieged her with questions even after the press conference ended.

When answering one of the questions, the Olympic synchronized swimming champion confessed that she would gladly join the ranks of Kazan 2013 volunteers. «I have no doubt that the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan will be held at the highest possible level. I was involved in the Kazan 2013 bid campaign and I know that the next day after winning the bid the Organizing Committee already started a tedious and hard work, the results of which we can see now,» said Maria Kiseleva.

At the end of her visit, Maria signed autographs and had pictures taken with fans. After getting better acquainted with Volunteers’ Academy participants, Maria Kiseleva admitted that volunteers were the most disciplined people. Her words were met with applause of flattered young activists.

(Source: Media Department of Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate)

Marat Bariev

Maria Kiseleva