Olympic Torch Relay ceremony finishes at Kazan Arena stadium

The Olympic Torch Relay ceremony Sochi-2014 finished in Tatarstan near Kazan Arena stadium on December 31. The Olympic cauldron was lit on the stage near Kazan Arena stadium.

Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin took part in the ceremony.

On December 30 the Olympic Torch arrived in Sviyazhsk and Bolgar. Today, the relay ceremony started at Universiade Village, continued at the city centre, the Kazan Kremlin and finished at Kazan Arena stadium.

Hohoured Master of sports in trap shooting Svetlana Demina was the last person to carry the torch. She lit the cauldron together with honourable guests, and Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov welcomed the audience afterwards.

“We have done it, the Olympic cauldron is lit. It was the year of Universiade for the whole country. 2014 is the year of Olympic Games in Sochi. We are proud of welcoming the Olympic Torch in Kazan these days,” Ildar Khalikov said. He thanked people who organized the relay ceremony and wished Tatarstan citizens happy New Year.

Izhevsk will be the next city to receive the Olympic Torch on January 2.