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Kazan 2013 Ambassadors

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.

Vladimir Krylov

Ulyanovsk

Honoured Master of Sport (track and field), Olympic champion in the 4x100m relay (Seoul 1988), seven-time national champion in 100m, 200m and 400m sprint, winner of the World and European Atheltics Cups, European champion in the 200m sprint; silver medallist of the Winter European Championship, reigning national record holder in the 200m sprint.

"Thanks to the 2013 Summer Universiade, Russia is once again able to prove its international status of the country of sports. We must turn the Games in Kazan into a triumph of Russian sports and the best example of hospitality."

Yana Churikova

Moscow

Russian TV presenter, journalist. Yana has been working at Channel One since 2002. She was a host of such TV programmes and reality shows as Good Morning, Star Factory, Cruel Games and others. She’s been working in the ViD TV Company in 2002-2007. In 2007 she moved to the Krasny Kvadrat (‘Red Square’) TV Company. In 2009 she’s been appointed the art director of the EKTV school studio.

"To be a Kazan 2013 Ambassador is as exciting and responsible, as to be a pioneer. With less than 500 days to go to the Universiade, we have no right to step back!"

Yulia Kovalchuk

Moscow

Russian pop singer, TV presenter, ex-singer of the Russian pop group Blestyaschie (‘The Glittering’) (2001-2007). In 2009 together with Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov she won the Ice Age: Fairy-Tale Sequel project (The Russian analogue of the Dancing on Ice British television show). Between 2010-2011 she has served as the co-host of actor and TV presenter Alexander Oleshko at the Minute of Fame show, which is the Russian version of Britain’s Got Talent.

"The most important thing is to believe in yourself! Then the victory will surely be yours. When you know exactly what you want, you get it. Do not listen to anyone; focus on yourself, your desire and keep moving towards your goal. Give one hundred, two hundred percent of yourself to it. And do not get upset if it does not work out immediately, just keep doing it! Nothing comes simply and immediately. But, because of this, the victory is even sweeter!"

Yuliya Zaripova (Zarudneva)

Kazan

Merited Master of Sports in athletics, Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion (2012), world champion (2011), European champion (2011) and national champion (2009, 2011).

The Universiade is an event of global significance which plays an important role in the growth of the city of Kazan, in the development of university sports across the Republic and sports in general. It’s a great power which is capable to touch even the hearts of those who are indifferent to sports. And although not everyone is destined to be a champion, I’m positive that most people will become stronger and more self-confident. The Universiade is a chance. Take it!

Yury Berezhko

Kazan

Russian volleyball player, Merited Master of Sport, passing-hitter for Zenit Kazan VC and Russian national team, gold medallist of the 30th Olympic Games in London.