Famous athletes of Russia, as well as representatives of the national cultural elite, were awarded the honorary title of Kazan 2013 Ambassador. The mission of a Kazan 2013 Ambassador is to promote the ideas of the Universiade, to popularise and develop the values of university sports, tourism and a healthy lifestyle.
Champion of Russia (2010); bronze medallist of the World Cup (2011); Gold medallist of the 26th World University Summer Games in Shenzhen.
"I’m overwhelmed with the pride for my homeland at the mere thought that we were entrusted with the right to carry out such a large-scale youth event. I’m sure that in Kazan we will host the best Universiade ever held."
Opera singer. Holder of the Feodor Chaliapin Fund's The Best Voice of the Year Scholarship in the category Academic Vocal. Constant participant of all major cultural events held in the city of Kazan.
"It’s a great honour and responsibility for me to represent my native city and republic on the international scene. I call upon all citizens of Kazan not to stay indifferent and to get involved in the preparation of a unique sporting event in the history of modern Russia."
Russian volleyball player, libero for Zenit Kazan VC and Russian national team, gold medallist of the 30th Olympic Games in London, Merited Master of Sport, gold medallist at the 26th Summer Universiade (Shenzhen 2011), World Cup champion (2011), champion of Russia (2010, 2011), Cup of Russia finalist, Cup of Russia bronze medallist, Russian Super Cup champion (2010, 2011, 2012), winner and finalist of the CEV Champions League.
Merited Master of Sports in Athletics, bronze medallist of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, silver medallist of the 2005 World Championship, IAAF World Race Walking Cup champion (2002, 2004).
"The Universiade is the small Olympics. It’s a forum of the world’s strongest athletes and a sports reserve pool for the Olympic Games. I’m proud of the fact that Russia was awarded the right to stage the World University Games again, and I’m honoured to be appointed a Kazan 2013 Ambassador in my small motherland. My mission is to champion the idea cultivated by the Russian Government, which is about the revival and dynamic development of university sports in our country."
Diver; Merited Master of Sport, vice champion of the 2000 Olympic Games, two-time world champion, holder of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland (2nd class).
"I’m ready to actively popularise university sports and promote the Universiade, because I’m confident that the World University Games are unique youth competitions, the atmosphere of which can be compared only to the Olympics."