Thousands pack Streets as Universiade Torch Relay travels through Kaliningrad

Eduard Tokar

KALININGRAD – Yesterday, May 20^th, the 27th Summer Universiade Torch Relay arrived in Kaliningrad, the capital of Russia’s westernmost region of the same name.

Rimma Ratnikova32 Torchbearers, among them officials, representatives of partner companies, university students and big-name athletes of the region, carried the Flame of the 27th Summer Universiade through the most famous historical landmarks of Russia’s most western city. For instance, the Torch Relay visited one of the iconic sites of Kaliningrad – the grave of the famed philosopher Immanuel Kant – from where the first Torchbearer started running his leg. “We are happy to have the honour of hosting the Universiade Flame and we understand that our present, past and future are connected with it. Today we are a solid and strong sports region. And surely, the Universiade Torch Relay that travels through our cities symbolises the union of students and brings the celebration of the spirit of beauty and sporting excellence with it,” said Aleksey Silanov, Deputy Chairman of the Kaliningrad Region Government, during the solemn ceremony dedicated to the start of the Relay. On behalf of the Republic of Tatarstan, Deputy Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan Rimma Ratnikova extended a warm greeting to citizens of Kaliningrad. “Please accept our kind compliments from the Republic of Tatarstan, from the students of Kazan, from all citizens of Tatarstan, who are looking forward to the opening day of the Universiade. We are charmed with Kaliningrad and thank you for such a warm welcome. See you in Kazan! Welcome to Kazan!” said Rimma Ratnikova. 

Vladimir Volkogon, Rector of Kaliningrad State Technical University, will have the honour of being the first bearer for the Universiade Torch Relay. He passed the symbol of the upcoming Games to another famous representative of the Kaliningrad Region – Daria Shcherbakova, Merited Master of Sports in Rhythmic Gymnastics and three-time world champion. The Flame Keepers traditionally escorted the Torch throughout its entire journey around the city. 

The Torch Relay snaked its way through such famous landmarks as the Kaliningrad State Art Gallery which possesses a representative collection of over 12,000 paintings, graphic works, sculptures and works of applied and decorative art, the Royal Gate which stores expositions dedicated to the foundation of the fortress town of Königsberg (present-day Kaliningrad), Marshal Vasilevsky Square which is named after one of the greatest Soviet WWII commanders and others.  

Azat Kadyrov, 1st Deputy Director General of the Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate, took part in the next to the last leg of the 2013 Summer Universiade Torch Relay. He then passed the Flame to Andrey Klemeshev, Rector of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, the leading educational and scientific centre of European level in the Baltic Sea region. The City Cauldron was lit at the premises of the university and citizens of Kaliningrad were able to have their pictures taken with it. 

As organisers of the Kaliningrad leg of the Universiade Torch Relay admitted, the majority of Torchbearers were nominated and selected from among best university students of the city. “I’m happy to hold this trophy in my hands. I’m happy to welcome the Flame of the World University Summer Games to our city. I wish Kazan success in staging this grand celebration of the spirit of youth and studentship!” said Natalia Avdeeva, the medallist at the Belgrade 2009 Summer Universiade, Master of Sports International Class in Archery, PhD student of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University.

In the evening of that same day the Universiade Flame left Russia’s Western border and headed to the White Sea coast, to Arkhangelsk, the City of Military Glory. 

(Source: Kazan 2013 Media Dept.)