Penza, 13 June 2013. PenzaNews. A grand opening ceremony of the XXVII World Summer Universiade flame relay was held at Privokzalnaya Square in Penza on Thursday, June 13. Creative groups of the region presented their performances to the audience, and then everyone could take part in sports competitions. Welcoming the residents and guests of Penza, the head of the city Yuri Alpatov noted that this flame can be called the small Olympic flame.

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“It is the flame of friendship, sports and peace. Penza is rich with sports traditions, we have much to be proud of. There are some sports in which we can hardly be conquered — swimming, diving, athletics, Sambo,” he stressed.

The mayor of Penza Roman Chernov was given the honor to light the first torch.

The first member of the relay became a student of Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Master of Sports of Russia in boxing, champion of the region, medalist of the Russian Universiade 2012 Yaroslav Aksenov.