I. Metshin about the Opening Ceremony of the XVI World Championship in water sports

The opening ceremony of the XVI FINA World Cup passed with incredible triumph. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this success. TV viewers from all corners of the Earth watched the spectacular show in Kazan. Millions of people have discovered our city and appreciated the skills of our artists!

The performance captured the imagination of people from all over the planet - and it's not just an unusual colorful spectacle. The opening ceremony, which was broadcasted at thousands of channels, increased popularity of Kazan on a global level, caused interest in the city among the people all over the world. The show has strengthened the international image of not only the capital of Tatarstan, but of the whole country. Once again we have proven to our international partners that are able to carry out the world's largest events on the highest level.

The success of the opening ceremony is a common victory: a victory of Russia, Tatarstan, Kazan, and every person who participated in the preparation. A huge team worked in unison to surprise and delight Kazan residents, guests and TV viewers. On the way to the important goal each of them did more than it was required of him, and the result of the joint work has exceeded the most optimistic expectations.

I sincerely thank our Russian virtuosos, the authors of the show Igor Krutoy and Alexei Sechenov. They have created a unique concept of the event and were able to implement bold, incredible ideas. No doubt, their work is worthy of the applause that the hall exploded after each episode of the show "Pilgrim"!

I want to say special word of thanks to the artists. Many have noticed that at the ceremony were our guys from Kazan, Tatarstan. We were able to hold our own world-class show, and it's better than any words said about the cultural potential of the republic! Once again we have proved to the world that we are able to surprise!

Of course, I want to thank all the volunteers. The guys created a special atmosphere with their smiles, friendliness and sincere desire to help at the event.

The opening ceremony set the tone for the entire championship. Two weeks of the competition between the world's best athletes, the closing ceremony of the World Cup, the World Championships in Aquatics in the category "Masters" are ahead. We must conduct all activities at a decent level.

I am confident that the championship will present the most joyful emotions, our residents will experience a sense of pride of their city again and again, and guests will love Kazan with all their heart!