Rustam Minnikhanov visited Towards the Universiade 2013 Volunteer Camp 27.06.2010

During the visit the president studied a number of projects devised by young people in the field of innovation and social policy. For example one of promising projects regards the development of pharmaceuticals against neuropathy and polymer bandages. Rustam Minnikhanov took interest in the Broker-finance project within which young entrepreneurs develop business plans for small business. Last year 120 business plans were devised for the Leasing-grant program.

Following the results of the meetings the President encharged the field-oriented governance entities to consider carefully all the programs and projects.

“Today we have done a lot for young people including the venues construction. Construction of the new youth complex on the Volga river is drawing to an end. What’s most important is that we see the young people engaged with serious business – new innovation and social projects. We count much on you, you are our future,” Rustan Minnikhanov assured the young people.

Later on Deputy Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation Oleg Rozhnov spoke to the young people of Tatarstan and the representatives of 28 Russian regions. “It’s not us who must tell you what to do – it’s you who must initiate proposals, programs, projects, strive to succeed,” the Deputy Minister said to the attendees.

Ralf-Rene Weingärtner, Director of Youth and Sport of the Council of Europe greeted the camp participants on behalf of 47 countries – members of the European Council. “It’s my fourth or fifth visit to Kazan and I feel almost like home here. I’m glad to be in Kazan on the Youth Day. In Strasbourg, in Europe you are not just our future, you are our present,” added Ralf-Rene Weingärtner to what had been said. “I’m grateful to Rustam Minnikhanov, Oleg Rozhnov for giving me an opportunity to communicate closer with the youth. I’m sure we’ll cooperate not at present but also in future.”

Young people had a lot of questions to ask to the guests. A volunteer from Sochi expressed willingness to visit the 2013 Universiade in Kazan for work experience. “We are ready to host the Sochi volunteers and later to send our volunteers to the Olympics,” the President of Tatarstan responded. Rustam Minnikhanov invited the young people to establish a social control system of the new sports venues, “Today I declare that these venues has been built for you. On your part you inform us if you have any problems with access to the venues and their use.”

In commemoration of the unity of youth and the state Rustam Minnikhanov, Oleg Rozhnov and Ralf-Rene Weingärtner were presented with genuine volunteer passports. “We are ready to meet you again – just invite us,” the Tatarstan President said to the young people at parting.

The Youth Volunteer Camp was held in Kazan on June 23-28. Volunteers from 28 regions of Russia participated in its work. The camp became a powerful forum within which young and active people could share their experience and on the whole extend their potential through gaining new skills. Every day Russian volunteers were trained to do successful effective and autonomous work under any conditions. Outstanding managers and sports officials shared their views on development of volunteer movement. The very opportunity of uniting active young people in Kazan became a huge step forward in staging the best organized progressive event in the Universiade history.

Media Department of Kazan 2013 Executive Committee