2017 WU – Impressions from the Heads of Delegations Visit

ALMATY – FISU delegates together with the Heads of Delegations continue to visit the venues for the 28th Winter Universiade in Almaty. Hereafter some remarks from a number of delegates.

President of the Russian Student Sports Union and HoD of the Russian Federation Sergey Seyranov: “After the WU, a comprehensive sports infrastructure will be developed in Almaty which will allow the city to continue developing the sport among the young generation. Such great event will be remembered for many years and will live its heritage, its legacy.”

Alshuraz Babayev, the HoD of Kyrgyzstan: “We are going to participate in the following sports: ice hockey, figure skating and snowboard. Yesterday I visited Shymbulak Ski Resort, Medeu High-mountain Ice Rink, Sunkar International Ski Jumping complex and I think that Almaty is prepared for the Universiade.”

Alatau Venue for Cross Country & Biathlon

Ari Grossman, HoD of Canada: “Almaty – a beautiful city, I am here for the first time. I am impressed by the residents of the city – they are good-natured and polite. Congratulations to the city with a 1,000-anniversary, we look forward to the beginning of the celebration of this anniversary.”

Vinsent Rognon, the HoD of France: “Almaty is a very beautiful city, with really kind people. We have received a great first impression. Our delegation is made up of 40 athletes. Of course, it is not a big delegation, but we are going to bring the best athletes we have in figure skating, short track, alpine skiing and freestyle skiing. I believe, that it will be really fascinating sport event and we are pleased to be the part of such event. We are counting the days to the 28 Winter Universiade.”

Tabagan Venue

Finally, FISU President Oleg Matytsin sums it up rather nicely: “We understand that we are in a country with a long history, tradition and rich culture, which is famous not only for its hospitality but also experienced in organizing sporting and other international events. It is symbolic that we came on the eve of the celebration of the 1,000^th Anniversary of the city of Almaty, and on the eve of the 25^th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence. The Universiade is one of the stages of development of the city and the country. It provides an opportunity for young people and the organizations that participate in the Universiade, to demonstrate once again the country’s potential and the potential of this city. I hope that the Universiade will leave a rich legacy that will be used by all its citizens.”

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(Source: Almaty 2017 OC)