First FINA High-Diving World Cup opens in Kazan

On August 8, the first FINA High Diving World Cup started in Kazan. The completion venue is the Kazanka river embankment near the Kazan Kremlin and Farmers’ Palace. FINA President Julio Maglione, Aide to Russian President Igor Levitin, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, President of the Russian Diving Federation Aleksey Vlasenko and other officials took part in a solemn opening ceremony of international competitions. 

The ceremony started with a parade of the participating nations. Athletes from 16 countries, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Switzerland, Ukraine, USA, and Russia are taking part in the competition. 

Welcoming the athletes and fans, Aide to the Russian President Igor Levitin wished everyone successful competitions and expressed his confidence that in 2015 Kazan will host World Aquatics Championship at a high level. He also said that tomorrow Russia will celebrate the Sportsman’s Day for the 75th time, and congratulated all the athletes on this holiday.

Ildar Khalikov, in his turn, welcomed everyone on behalf of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and congratulated on the beginning of the competition. He reminded that in 2013, Kazan hosted the World Summer Student Games, with more than 11,000 athletes from 160 countries participated in the competitions. In 2015, we were entrusted to host the FINA World Championships, Ildar Khalikov said. We expect more than 2,500 participants from 200 countries. 

Tatarstan Prime Minister also thanked the FINA’s leadership for choosing Kazan to hold the first ever High-Diving World Cup. He wished all the athletes good luck and fans a wonderful spectacle.

Julio Maglione said that today International Swimming Federation enjoys a historical moment because the High-Diving World Cup is held for the first time. According to him, these competitions can promote the upcoming FINA World Cup to be held in 2015 in Kazan. Your city is ready to host athletes at the highest level, Julio Maglione said. 

He specifically thanked Rustam Minnikhanov for his support and assistance in organizing the event. FINA President Julio Maglione declared the High-diving World Competitions open.