Volunteers test the Universiade village

Act I: Playing the part of international delegates to check venues & facilities

KRASNOYARSK – With the countdown clock showing less than a month to go for the Winter Universiade 2019, six hundred volunteers put the Universiade Village to the test to ensure that the 3,000 athletes and officials participating in the event will have a memorable stay.

The testing was carried out in a fun way, with volunteers being divided into groups that represented different countries. They took on the roles of international delegates and headed to the transport and welcome checkpoints, suitcases and bags in hand. It was important to check the procedures for handling non-standard sized luggage, which almost always accompanies elite athletes.

Next on the testing agenda was the Universiade Village itself, where the volunteers checked the venue staff’s knowledge of foreign languages, medical treatment and catering in the main Dining Hall.

Volunteer Alyona Skuratova, who was one of the test participants got to play the role of a hockey player from Switzerland. “I checked into the dormitory, but then supposedly lost my baggage,” she said. “Then I also went to a doctor and I spoke to everyone in English to see if they could understand a foreigner. In general, everything went fine and I am sure that athletes participating in Krasnoyarsk 2019 will like it very much!”

The volunteers have been staying in the new Universiade Village located on the campus of the Siberian Federal University. Over several days, the participants were able to test the main services that will be provided to athletes and delegates from around the world during the Krasnoyarsk 2019 Winter Universiade: accreditation, check-in, food and beverages, medical care, entertainment, the fitness centre etc.

Maksim Urasov, Director General of the ANO Directorate Krasnoyarsk 2019 said the testing helped iron out the wrinkles. “Now all systems as well as cooperation between employees and services at the venues are being fine-tuned,” he said. “Not only were all our venues tested, but also the people who work here. They are becoming a united team that promptly reacts to any change. The testing participants are satisfied with comfortable conditions.”

Now for Act II: When the real delegations begin to arrive in Krasnoyarsk for the Winter Universiade 2019.