2013 SU Update: FISU Flag Relay reached Saratov

SARATOV – Early in the morning of September 13th, the ‘Universiade in Your City!’ train arrived inSaratov, the seventh city on the route of the FISU Flag Relay.

A warm welcome spiced with attributes of traditional Russian hospitality as a round loaf, a round dance and Russian folk songs, awaited the Kazan 2013 delegates at the railway station ofSaratov. «We brought a sunny weather with us! It’s a sure sign of your amiable intentions and open-heartedness of all who are engaged in the preparations for the Universiade. We are pleased that today we will become part of your united family!», Pro-Rector of Studies and Educational Work of Saratov State University Igor Malinsky said.

After the traditional gifts, a hundredweight of salt and chak-chak, were presented to hosts of the FISU Flag Relay inSaratov, Larisa Sulima, Chief of Staff of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate, handed young activists ofSaratova souvenir from their colleagues in Ulyanovsk where the FISU Flag had been relayed the day before. «By tradition established during the FISU Flag Relay, citizens of Ulyanovsk asked us to give you a souvenir made of simbircite stone as a symbol of inseparable friendship between regions of theVolgafederal District. I’m glad that in every city where we arrive, we are welcomed as honored guests, and are sent off as dear friends. Great deeds lie ahead of us!», Larisa Sulima said confidently.

As part of the FISU Flag Relay’s program of events in Saratov, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate and Chernyshevsky Saratov State University.

It stands to mention that during the solemn meeting held in SaratovStateUniversity, Larisa Sulima announced a week countdown until the official start of the Kazan 2013 volunteer selection program. «Starting in September 20th, any person willing to become a Kazan 2013 volunteer can submit an application online on www.kazan2013.ru. I’m confident that students of those higher education institutions that partnered with us during the FISU Flag Relay, will become the first candidates and will get well-prepared for the Games inKazan. As FISU Flag Relay participants, in each city we see hundreds of young people who are deeply patriotic, socially active and ready to spare no effort in staging the Universiade at the highest level. It’s extremely important that Russia is notable for its high standard of education; our students have a good command of foreign languages. In this regard we put great hopes on students of foreign language and international relations departments of the Chernyshevsky Saratov State University», Larisa Sulima said.

Two celebrated Russian athletes, Natalya Lobova and Sergey Ulegin, were appointed Kazan 2013 Ambassadors during one of the FISU Flag Relay’s events inSaratov. The students of the Chernyshevsky Saratov State University received their credentials from Kazan 2013 delegates.

Arriving inSaratov, the FISU Flag Relay reached the middle of its route; the Kazan 2013 delegates already visited six cities (Izhevsk, Perm, Ufa, Orenburg, Samara,Ulyanovsk). After Saratov the FISU Flag will be relayed to other six cities of the Volga Federal District (Penza, Saransk, Nizhny Novgorod, Cheboksary, Yoshkar-Ola, Kirov).

The key events of the FISU Flag Relay in Saratov will evolve in Saratov State University and Theatrical Square.

(Source: Media Department of Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate)

Natalya Lobova and Sergey Ulegin appointed as Kazan 2013 Ambassadors

Natalya Lobova & Sergey Ulegin