Crowds turn out to cheer Universiade Flame in Vladimir

VLADIMIR – On 1 June, International Children’s Day, one of Russia’s Golden Ring cities welcomed the main symbol of the Universiade. Vladimir hosted the Universiade Torch Relay as 36 Torchbearers carried the Flame through the city.

The Torch Relay route in Vladimir covered 7,180 metres, encompassing the historic centre and the city’s major higher education institution, Vladimir State University named after Alexander and Nikolay Stoletovs, where the first runner’s torch was lit.

Andrey Tikhonov greeted citizens of Vladimir on behalf of all the Universiade Flame Keepers. “We take great care in keeping the Universiade Torch and carrying it from city to city. And today we have the honour and privilege of bringing the main symbol of the Universiade from Saint Petersburg to Vladimir. It is a great honour to be a part of the Universiade Torch Relay because the Flame is a symbol of peace, friendship and student solidarity.”

“Today is a major and unquestionably important event for Vladimir, as the Universiade Torch has arrived in our city,” remarked Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Vladimir Oblast Vladimir Kiselyov. “The authorities of the Vladimir Oblast do a great deal to develop sport widely in our region. It’s nice to see that day by day, more and more people in our city are beginning to lead a healthy lifestyle.”

Vladimir Kiselyov also thanked the organisers of the Universiade and the Torch Relay, and expressed his personal gratitude to the Chairman of the Olympic Council of the Republic of Tatarstan Marat Bariev for the opportunity to bring the Torch Relay to Vladimir.

The privilege of carrying the Universiade Flame through the streets of one of Russia’s Golden Ring cities was bestowed on top students, athletes, volunteers and representatives of the Kazan 2013 SU’s partner companies. The honour of getting the Torch Relay started was given to Anton Neudakin, Master of Sports, winner of the 2013 Russian Artistic Gymnastics Championship and Summer Universiade medallist.

“The impression that the Torch Relay left is just great! I’m happy that I was chosen to run a leg of the Relay, because it is really a great honour. I’m definitely going to Kazan in July to cheer on our national rhythmic gymnastics team”, said Torchbearer and artistic gymnastics coach Anna Zaitseva.

“The Relay is so energising and positive! When you’re running, you get a jolt of energy. Everyone is looking at you and smiling at you. I would gladly run with the Torch again!” said Torchbearer Aziza Ismailova, the national title holder in the women’s hand-to-hand combat.

The Torch Relay in Vladimir ended in Cathedral Square, where Vladimir Oblast Acting Governor Svetlana Orlova ignited the City Cauldron.

“We know how Tatarstan has been preparing all these years for this sporting event: amazing sports venues, a new infrastructure. The Universiade is a celebration in which all students will take part,” Svetlana Orlova said in her speech.

“I heartily congratulate you on the arrival of the Universiade Torch to Vladimir, which is famous for its sports successes,” Marat Bariev said. “The Universiade in Kazan is the biggest sporting event in the world in 2013, and you’ve become its participants. A month from now, Kazan will bring together students from 170 countries. I want to delight you by saying that representatives of the Vladimir Oblast will be on our country’s team. Once again, my congratulations. I am sure that you will remember this day for a long time.”

Marat Bariev presents a Universiade Torch replica to Anzor Saralidze

At the end of the ceremony, Marat Bariev handed replicas of the 2013 Summer Universiade Torch to Vladimir Oblast Acting Governor Svetlana Orlova and Rector of Vladimir State University named after Alexander and Nikolay Stoletovs, Anzor Saralidze. The torches will now be stored in the city’s Museum of Physical Culture and Sports and at the University.

Next stop for the Universiade Flame is the capital of Russia, Moscow.

(Source: Kazan 2013 Media Dept.)