Rustam Minnikhanov: Volunteers have made a great contribution to the successful holding of a number of major international competitions in Tatarstan

On July 3, at the Volga Region Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Aide to Tatarstan Presiden Leila Fazleeva, Chief of Staff of Tatarstan President’s Administration Asgat Safarov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and other honoured guests took part in the solemn opening of the first International educational forum «FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy 2017».

The forum will take place in the capital of Tatarstan from the 2nd to the 8th of July, 2017. The event will bring together representatives of different volunteering movements and organizations from 91 countries. The forum is aimed at creating necessary conditions for studying and promoting the best world practices in the implementation of volunteer projects and programmes for holding major international events, as well as providing an effective communication platform for the development of student volunteer communities.

The forum programme includes lectures, round tables, discussions, work in small groups.

Welcoming guests in Kazan, Minnikhanov stressed that volunteers have made a great contribution to the successful holding of a number of major international competitions in the republic.

"More than 20,000 volunteers were involved in the Universiade-2013 and the World Aquatics Championships in 2015. The matches of the Confederations Cup-2017 have just finished, and next year matches of the World Cup will take place in Kazan. More than a hundred Russian and international competitions are held with the participation of our volunteers," Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President noted that it would be impossible to organize such serious sports events without young leaders, initiative and creative people. He said that he believes that to increase the effectiveness of volunteer activities, a special educational programme is needed.

"During preparations for the 27th World Summer Universiade we came through this way and we do understand the importance of this work. We are glad that the educational forum is taking place in Kazan. I welcome you in the capital of Tatarstan and wish that you have productive and interesting time here,” Minnikhanov addressed volunteers and declared the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy 2017 forum open.