2013 SU Update: Thirteenth City welcomes FISU Flag Relay

KIROV – The FISU Flag Relay reached Kirov, the 13th city on its route. The Kazan 2013 delegates were warmly welcomed by Deputy Mayor of Kirov Svetlana Shumailova, Acting Director of the Youth Department of the Kirov Region Government Evgeny Krutikhin, Rector of the Vyatka State University Valentin Pugatch and hundreds of students and young activists of the Kirov Region. At the railway station where the welcome ceremony took place, a huge flag of the 27th Summer Universiade was stretched on the platform.

«We are pleased that after a three-week long trip the FISU Flag and Kazan 2013 delegates reached our city at last. Having visited 12 cities of the Volga Federal District, you have a clear idea how hospitable the regions of Russia are and how much importance they attach to events designed to promote the Universiade in the regions of Russia. Kirov will show itself at its best, we have been preparing for your arrival for a long time and we believe that since today a fresh impetus will be given to our friendly relations, because we are going to get prepared for the Universiade together», Rector of the Vyatka State University Valentin Pugatch said in his welcome speech.

The traditional hundredweight of salt and chak-chak were presented to the hosts, together with a barrel of honey sent to the Kirov Region from the Republic of Mari El where the FISU Flag relayed the day before. «In each city we visited we found new friends and partners, we got to know endless lands ofRussiaand got charged with the energy of youth and healthy way of life. Today, in your city, we finish the FISU Flag Relay but we start a two-year cycle of the preparations for the 27th World University Summer Games which return toRussiaafter 40 years. 653 days that are left to go until the Universiade will be inspired by sports, will to win and triumph of talent and peoples’ friendship», Larisa Sulima said with confidence.

A meeting of Tatarstan and Kirov Region student leaders took place in theVyatkaStateUniversity. As part of the FISU Flag Relay program of events, the Kazan 2013 volunteer selection program was presented as well. Besides, young activists will discuss joint projects and adopt a resolution aimed to develop university sports and healthy lifestyle in Russia.

(Source: Media Department of Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate)