Leonz Eder, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), accompanied by Swiss Ambassador Jürg Burri, took part in the opening of the 13th mini-tournament of the Igor Gamula Super League—part of the Top Division of the National Student Football League. The event was held at the Burevestnik Stadium, one of the sports facilities belonging to the Volga Region State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism.
“I would like to thank Mr. Leonz Eder—a man who served on the FISU Executive Committee when it made the decision to host the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan. Everything we have today is a legacy of that Universiade.
I also wish to thank the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, who allocated the funds for the reconstruction of our stadium. In this celebratory setting, I declare the stadium—now fully reconstructed—open!” stated Rafis Burganov, the university’s rector, addressing the students and other attendees.
Welcoming the young athletes, Leonz Eder remarked:
– Let me express my joy and happiness to be in Kazan - not only the capital of Russian sports, but also world sports. Dear students and football players, you are the best example of how you can build your career. You have excellent data, not only physical, but also mental.
I would like to wish you success not only in the sports field, but also in your studies. You deserve it!,” he admonished the athletes.
The tournament’s opening ceremony was attended by Sergey Kryukov, Chairman of the Russian Student Sports Union; Andrey Stukalov, President of the National Student Football League; and Khalil Shaikhutdinov, First Deputy Minister of Sports of Tatarstan.
“The Volga Region University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism is a direct legacy of the 2013 World Universiade. The event served as a powerful driver for the development of university sports. Rafis Timerkhanovich has sustained this momentum and continues to build upon and expand this legacy, doing everything possible to ensure that university sports are accessible to absolutely everyone.
University sports also serve as a significant international platform. The Swiss Ambassador to Russia is with us today, which goes to show that university sports act as a connecting link for young people everywhere. I am confident that, very soon, each of you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents on the international stage.
Today marks the start of the 13th season of the National Student Football League—one of the premier university leagues in both Russia and the world. I believe we are going to demonstrate some truly high-caliber, powerful football, because here in Tatarstan, we know how to develop sports—and how to win!” emphasized Sergey Kryukov.
Andrei Stukalov also supported his words of parting advice:
– Today marks a historic occasion, as we are unveiling a splendidly reconstructed pitch that, over the next decade, will host the most significant tournaments of the National Student Football League, as well as other major competitions at both the republican and national levels.
Khalil Shaikhutdinov also expressed his gratitude to Leonz Eder for his visit to Russia and Tatarstan. He emphasized the importance of the republic’s cooperation with the International University Sports Federation.
Text: Adelina Khramova
Photo: Pavel Zheleznyak
