I.Metshin: "2013th year was a test of strength, which we withstood"

(KZN.RU, March 3, by Renat Shirmanov). Last year was a test of strength for Kazan, and the capital of Tatarstan withstood this test with dignity. This was announced at today's 31st session of Kazan City Duma by the Mayor of Tatarstan's capital, who presented a report on the activities in 2013.

The session was attended by the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

"We have gathered to take stock of the most significant and most difficult year in the modern history of Kazan, which passed under the banner of preparation for and hosting the Universiade. Years of hard work and painstaking management went in a flash. Last year was a test of strength for all of us, and we, headed by our President Rustam Minnikhanov, passed it with flying colors. We showed the whole world what our republic, our country – the new Russia – is capable of," said Ilsur Metshin.

The Kazan Mayor emphasized that through great effort in preparation for the Universiade the urban infrastructure greatly improved. "But most importantly, Kazan residents changed themselves. We felt a sense of pride for our country, republic and our city. The President of FISU (International University Sports Federation), Claude-Louis Gallien, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Universiade Games in Kazan, recognized them as the best ever. Our experience, our highly trained professionals and our volunteers made a significant contribution to the triumphant Winter Olympics in Sochi. There was a huge amount of work behind those achievements," concluded the Mayor.