Russia and Kazan share clear vision of university sport

The country will stage the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, the 2015 FINA World Championships and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but it is also currently hosting the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan.

And while the former three events are arguably more recognised the world over, Russia nevertheless holds university sports in the highest of regards.

At a press conference in Kazan, a strong message was sent out: Russia and more specifically the current host city have a clear vision about university sport.

The economy, sustainable development and education are major factors; investment needed to be made, and more than ever it they appear to have been made with insight and the needs of local people in mind.

Russia also plays a leading role in health, with schemes such as the 'Check up Your Heart Project’. The main purpose of this programme is prevention but it also identifies the need for knowledge. According to Dr Lawrence Rink, chair of the FISU Medical Committee, this cardiology project will make sure that the Games are safer in the future and will leave an important legacy. In many ways, this long-term thinking characterises the thinking of many Russian people.