“10 years ago no one could imagine that Kazan would host Universiade, such a big international sports event,” President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said at All-Russia student forum of volunteers “We are ready!”

The forum was held in “Tatneft-Arena” (Kazan) and was dated to an important event – 500 days are left till the start of XXVII World summer Universiade-2013 in Kazan.

About nine thousand young people from Russian regions took part in the forum. Among them were leaders of youth public and volunteer organizations, student self-government, students of higher and secondary special educational institutions.

Welcoming guests and participants of the forum Rustam Minnikhanov informed about held regular meeting of the steering committee on preparation for Universiade-2013 chaired by first vice Chairman of Russian government Igor Shuvalov.

RT President reminded as well about the World championship on water sports (2015) and matches within the World football championship (2018) expected to be held after Universiade-2013.

Head of the republic noted that Tatarstan’s initiative to hold World summer student sport games -2013 was approved and supported by the federal center and Vladimir Putin. Chairman of RF Government also supported plans host the World championship on water sports and matches within the World football championship.

“We believe in you and will support you!”, Rustam Minnikhanov said addressing volunteers.

Russian minister of sport, tourism and youth policy Vitaly Mutko congratulated all the volunteers on their decision to support such a serious project for the country – Universiade 2013.