On 24 January, the WorldSkills Competition countdown clock was revealed in the historic centre of Kazan – on Baumana street.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, President of WorldSkills International Simon Bartley, CEO of WorldSkills International David Hoey, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Director General of the Young Professionals Union (Worldskills Russia) Robert Urazov, and Director General of Rosatom state corporation Alexey Likhachev attended the ceremony.
Tatyana Golikova gave a welcome speech on behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation. “Our country pays considerable attention to the development of skills. The upcoming Competition is one more opportunity for young professionals to approve themselves and embrace their future profession. I wish everyone good luck and congratulate all residents of Kazan and Russia on such a milestone event!” Tatyana Golikova said.
Simon Bartley emphasized that WorldSkills helps Competitors and Spectators change their lives for the better. “Each time you pass by this countdown clock think about the influence of skills on social changes”, Simon noted. He expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Russia, Tatarstan and Kazan for their support and attention on behalf of the WorldSkills International.
“209 days are left before the Competition, in 200 days its first Competitors will start arriving. We should show them our traditions and hospitality”, Rustam Minnikhanov said.
A new WorldSkills Kazan 2019 Ambassador was announced during the event. Russian chef and TV host, Konstantin Ivlev became a new Ambassador. He was handed an Ambassador’s branded scarf and a statue with the WorldSkills Kazan 2019 logo by Robert Urazov.
About WorldSkills Kazan 2019
The 45th WorldSkills Competition – the main international event of 2019 in Russia – will bring together more than 1,600 young professionals representing over 60 countries and regions who will compete in 56 skills. It will take place in Kazan on 22-27 August 2019. It is expected that more than 250,000 spectators will attend the Competition and associated events.
Kazan won the right to host the Competition in 2015 having been ahead of other WorldSkills International member countries after voting. The WorldSkills Russia movement embraces 85 Russian regions and is one of the leading staff training projects.
Press Office of WorldSkills Kazan 2019 Competition Organizer
