27th Summer Universiade in Kazan closes

 Volunteers march in

KAZAN – On July 17^th, the 27^thSummer Universiade came to an end. With the phenomenal Opening Ceremony in mind, the expectations for the Closing were high. Indeed, the Russians did not disappoint and it was a marvellous show, once more, this time in the presence of Dmitri Medvedev, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. “Thank you athletes, coaches and participants, and thank you volunteers for your performances,” the PM said.

Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitri Medvedev

The home country’s student-athletes neither did disappoint. The Russian delegation did a major haul of the medal chest topping the medal’s table with 292 medals (155 gold, 75 silver & 62 bronze)! This 27^th edition was the biggest ever in FISU history. Not only were there 27 sports on the programme – five of them for the very first time as an optional sport – but also the number of accredited participants skyrocketed with 11,785 participants (4,839 male athletes, 3,152 female athletes, 3,074 male officials and 720 female officials) from 159 countries.

“These twelve days represent the triumph of sports, beauty and harmony. These twelve days have changed Kazan forever,” Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin addressed the crowd. “All together we had been preparing for this event for several years. The Universiade has not only changed the City of Kazan; it has changed the mindset of its people. We even started playing sports twice as much as before after building the new stadiums for the games. The Universiade Village has become one of the best student grounds in Russia. I am certain that the legacy of Kazan Universiade will continue with further improvement of sports for young people, healthier lifestyle as well as with growing integration of the world student community.”

These games will not only be remembered by the highest number of participation. Also on the sports field, the records were broken. 46 new Universiade Records were set in athletics, 45 in weightlifting, 40 in swimming and 27 in shooting sport.

Next Summer Universiade host Gwangju, Korea already lifted the tip of the veil of what to expect in 2015. “It was the most wonderful, successful, grateful Universiade in the world. As the mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City and Chairperson of 2015 Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee, I will do my best for a success as you Kazan,” Gwangju Mayor Kang Un-Tae said in his speech.

FISU President Gallien

“Russia opened its heart to the youth of the entire world, and the heart of Russian Sport was beating here in Kazan, the ‘green’ city, the beautiful city,” FISU President Gallien said. “Dear friends, we will never forget you! On behalf of the FISU Family, I thank you from the depth of my heart,” Mr. Gallien said closing the 27^th Summer Universiade.

Passing of the FISU Flag

C. Pierre, Press Officer