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FISU Family shocked by Plane Crash in Kazan

FISU 18 November 2013

 

LAUSANNEIt is with sheer horror that the FISU Family learned about the terrible plane crash on 17 November at the airport of Kazan, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and host city of a very successful 27th Summer Universiade last July.

FISU was even more saddened when it was confirmed that Irek Minnikhanov, the son of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov was among the victims of the crash. Earlier this month, President Minnikhanov was present at the attribution of the 2019 Universiades in Brussels to support the city of Krasnoyarsk.

“Since the attribution of the Universiade to Kazan, FISU has built up an excellent working relationship with President Minnikhanov, who has become a genuine friend of the FISU Family”, FISU Secretary-General/CEO Eric Saintrond said. “We are extremely saddened by this catastrophe. Our thoughts are with him and all the other Tatar families who lost a loved one in this terrible accident.”

“In July our hearts were filled with so much joy with the celebration of the 2013 Universiade in the city of Kazan”, FISU President Gallien commented. “And now tears fill our eyes as we see the grief in the hearts of our kind Tatar hosts and our friend Rustam Minnikhanov. The entire FISU Family expresses its sincere condolences for their loss in this tragedy.”

 

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer