Today, the opening ceremony of the final of the 7th National Competition “Young Professionals” (WorldSkills Russia) was held in Kazan. A bright theatrical performance and parade of regions and member countries took place at the Tatneft Arena Ice Palace. 1,500 Competitors, more than 1,200 Experts, city guests from 85 Russian regions and 25 countries, as well as residents of Kazan and Tatarstan attended the event.
President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Irina Potekhina, President of WorldSkills International Simon Bartley, Minister of Economy, Science and Digital Society of Thuringia Wolfgang Tiefensee, Director General of the Union “Young Professionals” (WorldSkills Russia) Robert Urazov were among the honorable guests of the ceremony.
The ceremony began with a fantastic prologue – humanity development was shown. That was the era of progress, new specialties appeared. The audience had a chance to look into the future. “Charm” show-theatre performers, “Mgnoveniye”, “Doroga iz goroda”, “Izumrudny gorod”, “Bez slov”, “Dance Life” groups, “Action men crew” breakdance team; “CRYSTAL” show ballet, violinist Edgar Hakobyan, singer Alina Sharipzhanova and others took part in the show. After that, the parade of participants of the National Competition took place. Spectators were also introduced to the culture, lifestyle and history of Tatarstan and its capital – Kazan.
All Competitors and Experts were greeted by the honorable guests of the National Competition. According to the President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, the best of the best Competitors selected during the National Competition “Young Professionals” (WorldSkills Russia) will represent Russia at the WorldSkills Kazan 2019 Competition in August. The President considered the National Competition (WorldSkills Russia) as a final rehearsal before the WorldSkills Kazan 2019 Competition. Minnikhanov expressed his gratitude to the WorldSkills International which gave Kazan a chance to become a host city of the WorldSkills Competition. Also, he thanked the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and Russian Government for supporting the idea of holding such a large-scale competition. “Wish you an honest and uncompromising competition, and let the strongest win! Kazan will always be waiting for you. You are our most welcome guests”, said Rustam Minnikhanov to the Competitors.
“Recently, Russia has joined the WorldSkills international movement”, recalled the Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Irina Potekhina. “This is only the 7th National Competition, but each Competition is a new level, a new height for our country. Also, it is the competition for each of you, since each participant, regardless of the position taken at the competition, conquers his own height. Let this competition be just the start for you. I hope each of you will choose the path of competition throughout your life”.
“According to the WorldSkills philosophy, all young Competitors shall be considered as champions, and participants of the National Competition are not an exception”, said WorldSkills International President Simon Bartley. He stressed that this year in the history of the movement is special, because the WorldSkills Competition will be held in Russia for the first time. “We are pleased that WorldSkills Competition will take place in Kazan very soon. For you it will be a great honor to become part of the Team Russia at this historic event. And I want to address to those who will not win a slot on the National Team, and to those who will succeed! Think about the path that you have taken and which has brought you here, how much you have learned and how much you have achieved in a short time. Remember that you have been supported by your teachers, and families! Appreciate it. Express your gratitude to them. You are the future of your country, but you are also a role model for future generations. Through your achievements, they will see the full strength of Skills and education. Show all that you can. Good luck! Thanks for your efforts, dear experts!” Simon Bartley said.
“The WorldSkills Competition took place in Leipzig (Germany) 4 years ago”, recalled the Minister of Economy, Science and Digital Society in the government of Thuringia Wolfgang Tiefensee. According to Wolfgang, the WorldSkills Competition Kazan 2019 will become a bright and unforgettable event in life of all Competitors.
Director General of the Union “Young Professionals” (WorldSkills Russia) Robert Urazov thanked Russian and international Competitors, Experts, Partners, and Competition Organizers.
A collective handshake became the highlight of the event. All spectators joined hands with each other. That was a sacred symbol of friendship, and honest competition. Murakami Band performed at the end of the opening ceremony.
It should be recalled that the final of the National Competition will take place on 21-23 May at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre. 1,513 Competitors, including 152 international Competitors, 363 Juniors, and 1,274 Experts will participate in the event. 91 Skill and 23 Future Skills will be presented at the Competition Venue. WorldSkills Juniors will compete in 48 Skills. The National Competition will become a test project before the 45th WorldSkills Competition.
Press Office of WorldSkills Kazan 2019 Competition Organizer
