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Universiade in Kazan becomes bright prologue to Sochi Olympic Games

Medvedev thanked everyone who contributed to this “holiday of student sport” and lauded all athletes
Photo ITAR-TASS
Photo ITAR-TASS

KAZAN, July 17 (Itar-Tass) - The 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan has become a bright prologue to the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.

“I think the Universiade in Kazan has become a very bright prologue to the Olympic Games in Sochi. They will be an even more serious test for athletes, coaches and our country,” Medvedev said at the Universiade closing ceremony on Wednesday, July 17.

He urged everyone to help make the Olympic Games a spectacular and grand-scale event in the spirit of the Olympic movement and best traditions of Russian and world sport.

Medvedev thanked everyone who contributed to this “holiday of student sport” and lauded all athletes. “You showed your workmanship, the outstanding will to win and the energy of youth. Keep these qualities for the rest of your life,” he said.

He thanked those who made Kazan “the real capital of Universiade” and expressed confidence that the city’s guests enjoyed their time.

After the Universiade has ended, Kazan will continue using new roads, subway stations and sport facilities where children and adults will come to become new champions.

He praised the volunteers who made it possible to hold the Universiade at the highest level possible.

Medvedev said he was impressed by the gusto with which spectators supported the athletes, helping them win. “It is owing to you that truly Olympic rather than student results were achieved in some sports,” he added.

He hopes that everyone will love sport and remain loyal to the principles of fair play, team spirit, trust and mutual help that are necessary not only in between people but also between countries.