Prospects of hosting the 2019 Winter Universiade discussed at Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum

F.l.t.r.: Acting Mayor of Krasnoyarsk Edkham Akbulatov, State Sectretary – Deputy Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation Natalia Parshikova, Director of Budgetary Policy Department of the Russian Ministry of Finance Mikhail

KRASNOYARSK – One of the main events of the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum was a roundtable meeting, devoted to the prospects of a Krasnoyarsk bid to host the 29^th Winter Universiade in 2019. It was symbolic, that this discussion was held on the exact day of the 100^th anniversary of the Krasnoyarsk sport. The first sports society was established in Krasnoyarsk on February 16^th, 1912.

Moderator of round table was Mikhail Kotyukov, the Director of the Budgetary Policy Department of the Russian Ministry of Finance. The following participants debated the issue: State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation Natalia Parshikova, General Director of the 27^th Summer Universiade 2013 in Kazan Vladimir Leonov, President of the Russian Students Sports Union and 1st Vice-President of FISU Oleg Matytsin. Representing the City of Krasnoyarsk were Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy of Krasnoyarsky Region Sergey Gurov, Acting Mayor of Krasnoyarsk Edkham Akbulatov, Rector of the Siberian Federal University Evgeny Vaganov. Among participants of the panel discussion were also representatives of federal ministries and departments, as well as Russian non-governmental organizations.

The main topics for discussion were the following:readiness of Krasnoyarskto host sports competitions of such scale as the Winter Universiade, chances of the city to win the bid campaign, activities and prospects, which would be opened for Krasnoyarskin connection with hosting this international sport event. «It’s necessary to understand now to what extent the Region and the City realize a level of responsibility, concerning the hosting of the Universiade, as well the scope of work, which should be done to improve the whole infrastructure and image of Krasnoyarsk. We should totally understand why we want to hold the Universiade in Krasnoyarsk. In particular, the concept selection will influence our approach to defining of bidding campaign priorities and our further steps», State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation Natalia Parshikova mentioned in her speech.

At the same time, participants of the discussion admitted thatKrasnoyarskhas obtained significant results in development of integrated infrastructure, including sports, transport, touristic and social facilities, even before entering the bidding campaign. Running of the Universiade inKrasnoyarskcould be a powerful stimulus and give an impact for further beautification and improvement of the city and for construction of a number of new sports facilities.

Oleg Matytsin told the round table participants about the importance of the Universiade for the development of university sports in theRussian Federationand worldwide.

General Director of the 27^th Summer Universiade 2013 in Kazan Vladimir Leonov shared the experience of preparing to Universiade.

Edkham Akbulatov, in his turn, informed the participants of the panel discussion about the specific approaches to be applied during the PR-campaign to promoteKrasnoyarskas a participant of the bidding campaign to host the Universiade. Particularly, the Acting Mayor proposed using a unique geographic location, natural wealth, historical and cultural heritage of the city and its low exploration by foreign tourists as competitive advantages ofKrasnoyarsk.

The initiative of the Krasnoyarsky Region to become a candidate city for hosting the 2019 Winter Universiade, was supported by both Russian President Dmitry Medvedev personally and by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. «This fact puts an enhanced responsibility on us. We completely understand that we represent Russia in whole and we intend to mobilize our powers to the utmost and do our best to win the bidding campaign. To achieve this goal we plan to work actively in international information and media and to enlist the world community’s support», the Acting Mayor noted.

Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy of Krasnoyarsky Region Sergey Gurov introduced the attendees to existing sports facilities of the Region and the City, including prospects of its development, and told about the work, which was carried out by the Regional Government and Krasnoyarsk City Administration.

Summarizing the discussion, the Director of Budgetary Policy Department of the Russian Ministry of Finance Mikhail Kotyukov declared once again on behalf of federal authorities about the intention to support Krasnoyarsk as a candidate of Russia to host the 2019 Winter Universiade.

(Source: RSSU)

RSSU President, FISU 1st Vice-President Oleg Matytsin and Acting Mayor of Krasnoyarsk Edkham Akbulatov

Acting Mayor of Krasnoyarsk Edkham Akbulatov, State Sectretary – Deputy Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation Natalia Parshikova, Director of Budgetary Policy Department of the Russian Ministry of Finance Mikhail Kotykov