The President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin officially opened the 27th Summer Universiade last night. The breath-taking opening ceremony, filled with visual effects, took the audience through the history of Russia, using every moment to its maximum potential.

The 45.000 Kazan Arena, completely sold-out months in advance, witnessed a true spectacle, encompassing several key elements. Just the cultural and entertainment programme consisted of seven parts, starting with the parade, representing 180 different ethnic groups living in Russia and then focusing on the story of Kazan, the host city of the Games.

An impressive march pass of the delegations followed, with over 160 countries present, from which 12.000 athletes will participate in 27 sports in this edition of the Summer Universiade. All countries were cheered for, but the biggest applause and ovations were received by the country entering the stadium last - Russia.

After the march-pass of the participants, the programme continued and the event time-machine took us back in time to the beginnings, fairy tales and myths, through the history of science, aimed at exploring and innovations. The show also reflected on the recent history of the 20th century, with focus on the human being playing the main role. The spectators and participants were also greeted from the International Space Station and had a chance to have a peek into the future, posing an important question how will humanity act.

The fantastic show, with lasted for almost 4 hours, started its final relay with the opening addresses of Mr Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation and Mr Claude-Louis Gallien, the President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU).



Mr Putin solemnly declared the Games open and after an amazing response from the audience, the FISU Flag was hoisted accompanied by the students’ anthem ‘Gaudeamous Igitur’. After the athletes’ and officials’ oaths, the Universiade flame was ignited, signalling the end of the manificent opening ceremony and official start of the Games, which will finish on July 17 with the Closing ceremony.

Although the 27th Summer Universiade has just started, some of its achievements are already known - the 2013 edition of the event, also referred to as the World University Games, will be a record-breaking one. Number of participants, number of attending countries, number of sports and a rich legacy just contribute to this, as also pointed out in the official FISU Press conference which was held on July 5, a day prior to the Opening ceremony.

For more information, please see www.kazan2013.ru and www.fisu.net.