Mintimer Shaimiev met with the Russian Federation Minister of Sport, Tourism, and Youth Policy, Vitaly Mutko

On July 19, Tatarstan President, Mintimer Shaimiev, met with the Russian Federation Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy, Vitaly Mutko, in the Kazan Kremlin.

"We have thoroughly discussed the topic of preparation for the 2013 Universiade in Kazan today," Vitaly Mutko told journalists. "I absolutely agree that the organization of the Universiade is not only Tatarstan’s issue. I would like to state that it is Russia that organizes the Universiade; this tournament is held in Kazan, and the republic has undertaken the responsibility. This large-scale international event is the second most significant sporting event following the Olympics. The number of athletes coming to Kazan will be greater than the number of those coming to the Olympics in Sochi, as we are hosting the Universiade of summer sports".

"Russia gave some guarantees of support when Kazan applied for the Universiade, and we must accomplish our guarantees," the minister stated.

"As far as the mechanisms and the legal base, we will solve these issues in the near future. Documents should be signed by Russia’s President and the Government. We will keep pace. It just seems that there is enough time until 2013. But we have to present to the world all the sport facilities by 2012. Test competitions are supposed to be organized there by that time."

Mintimer Shaimiev informed that he received an invitation to attend the Olympics in Beijing. "I’m not sure if I myself will go, but a Tatarstan delegation will definitely go to Beijing," the head of the republic emphasized. We need to learn. I think the delegation will be headed either by me or by Tatarstan’s Prime Minister. Marat Bariev and Ilsur Metshin will definitely visit Beijing. They should see how it is done, because they would have to organize the same things."

"Successful organization of the Olympics in Sochi and the Universiade in Kazan must show Russia’s new face to the world. We must work for it", Tatarstan’s President summed up.

The meeting between the President and Vitaly Mutko went on for two hours, after which they answered reporters’ questions.

"The visit of honored guests to our republic points to the fact that we give earnest thought to issues first and foremost related to successful implementation of preparatory work to Universiade-2013, and not only this,- said head of Tatarstan. We have a lot of current matters at hand to be resolved with the ministries and with the plans a new minister is preparing, namely the development of popular sport and the sport of major achievements. We are constantly thinking about better training our athletes, about getting a solid and a modern foundation for the development of sports."

"Keeping in mind the lack of generalized experience of sport development all throughout Russia, the experience of Tatarstan is extremely important for us", pointed out Vitaly Mutko in his turn.

According to Vitaly Mutko, there are prerequisites in the republic for setting up initial points for the whole groups of sports. "We can rely on Tatarstan not only in terms of conducting high level competitions but also as regards systematic training of sportsmen."

"We are also grateful to the authorities of the republic because Kazan has become a centre of major sport events."

"From now on, implementing its policy of sport development through Federal targeted program, we would like to highlight the key points and to focus on some initial undertakings to be brought to the highest possible level", mentioned V. Mutko.

Also at the meeting the following matters were discussed - training of highly qualified sport personnel, investments designated for sport, popular among children, youth policy and tourist projects.