Footprints in the Snow

What will make a successful Winter Universiade? Top-notch stadiums… and layers and layers of snow (photo: Laykin Rudolph)

KRASNOYARSK – Grab your boots, coats, bomber jackets, gloves and even your thermal underwear as this is going to be a cold one!

“Welcome to Real Winter” is the slogan and main motto of the 29^th Winter Universiade taking place in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Therefore, the Siberian city is the ideal place to host the 2019 student games due to its chilly weather conditions.

Krasnoyarsk is a picturesque city located on the Yenisei River and the third largest in Siberia. It was announced as the host for the biennial multisport event following a unanimous vote at a ceremony held on November 9, 2013.

There are recently renovated and newly-built stadiums and arenas to accommodate the 11 sports on the program. But what is most important is that the city has been accommodating with its cold weather and layers of snow, which creates a playground for winter sport enthusiasts and athletes alike.

In the weeks leading up to the official start of the highly-anticipated Games, temperatures are said to have reached a staggering -40 degrees Celsius. For those traveling from countries where snowfall is a treat a couple of times a year or from nations where it never snows, this weather may come as a surprise. Spectators who have made their way to Krasnoyarsk should be prepared for more sub-zero conditions in the next few days.

With Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin officially opening the Universiade on the evening of March 2, the host organizing committee delivered a spectacular performance to the many countries watching.

 

To all visitors in Krasnoyarsk, make sure that as you leave your footprints in the snow, you also leave your mark on the city as it will surely leave a lasting impression on you.

 

Article by Laykin Rudolph, International Young Reporter at the Krasnoyarsk 2019 Winter Universiade