The Universiade Flame is marching through the Republic of Tatarstan

Kazan- On June 23, Agryz, Mendeleevsk and Yelabuga joined the ranks of towns that have hosted the Torch Relay of the 27th World University Summer Games.

Yelabuga was the last town to take the Torch on this day, as 31 Torchbearers carried the main symbol of the Universiade through the streets. Viktoria Kulakova, Candidate Master of Sport and Russian champion in the 4x100m relay was granted the honour to ignite the Universiade City Cauldron.

On June 24, the main symbol of the Universiade was welcomed by citizens of Zainsk and Nizhnekamsk. The Universiade Torch Relay became a real celebration of sports and the spirit of youth for the residents of these towns.

The next day, June 25th, the main symbol of the World University Games visited four towns in the Republic of Tatarstan on: Novosheshminsk, Cheremshan, Aksubaevo and Nurlat.

“Today we held in our hands a symbol of brotherhood and unity of the people of our planet: the Flame of the World University Games. I would like to believe that after such a massive celebration, more and more people in Cheremshan will lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise. I hope that the Universiade Flame has remained in your hearts and that its sparks radiated goodness and joy,” said Cheremshan Municipal District Adviser Amir Mugizov.

On June 26, the main symbol of the World University Games was greeted by a number of towns on the route of the Torch Relay in Tatarstan – Chistopol, Rybnaya Sloboda and Mamadysh.

“Kazan needed to be recognised on the world arena and to give assurances that the capital of our republic is capable of holding such a grand event as the Universiade. The efforts put into the preparations have been tremendous, and for this reason we can state with confidence that Kazan is definitely ready to hold the Universiade,” remarked Talgat Abdullin, Talgat Abdullin, Executive Director of the State Housing Fund under the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.

On Russian Youth Day, 27 June, the main symbol of the World University Games visited Naberezhnye Chelny. The Universiade Torch Relay finished on the embankment of the Kama River, where the Torch arrived from the river’s aquatic area on a yacht under scarlet sails.

“Today, our city is celebrating a great event that we have waited for a long time: Naberezhnye Chelny hosts the Universiade Torch Relay,” noted Vasil Shaikhraziev, Mayor of Naberezhnye. “The entire country, with its breath bated, waited for several years for a decision to host the 2013 Universiade. Kazan deserved this right, the right to host the Universiade, and we are proud of it! We may say for sure that Kazan is ready to welcome the athletes and guests from all over the planet.”

Kukmor, Bogatye Saby, Baltasi and Arsk will be the next districts to welcome the Universiade Torch Relay. The Universiade Flame will arrive there on 28 June.

(Source: Kazan 2013 Media Dept.)