ALMATY – The historic Medeu Alpine Ice Arena came to life once again for the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd World University Speed Skating Championship on 18 December. Indeed, the evening saw the official opening as during the day, competitions had already started on the ice track.
Welcome speeches of FISU Delegate Mrs. Kairis Ulp (r) & Almaty city Deputy Mayor Mrs. Zaure Zhumanaliyeva (l)
Representatives of the 12 countries attending this event paraded in front of the 2,500 spectators. The team presentations were followed by an opening speech from the Deputy Mayor of the city of Almaty, Mrs. Zaure Zhumanaliyeva who underlined “The last international competitions at ‘Medeu’ were held in 1988. Today the arena is alive again for the 2nd World University Speed Skating Championship. We are extremely proud to welcome all participants at our historic venue and would like to wish fair competition and new records”. The FISU Executive Committee member attending the Championship, Mrs Kairis Ulp, also stated “the importance of the event as an initial step towards the hosting of future important FISU events”.
Mass skating on “Medeu”
The FISU flag was delivered by a young volunteer that skated the track under the applause of the crowd. It was hoisted and for the first time, the FISU anthem sounded throughout the night. Medeu then became a huge party with the track being opened to mass skating with spectators, citizens of Almaty and everyone joining in the free skating on the legendary track.
(Source: OC WUC Speed Skating)
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