Penza, 22 July 2013. PenzaNews. The opening ceremony of the Finals of VI Russian Summer Student Spartakiada was held at the stadium “Pervomaysky” in Penza on Sunday, July 21.

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According to the press service of the government of the Penza region, the ceremony was attended by the Minister of Sports of Russia Vitaly Mutko, the deputy of plenipotentiary of the president of Russia in the Volga Federal District Leonid Gilchenko, and the governor of the Penza region Vasily Bochkarev.

“The development of mass and youth sports is paid much attention to in Penza, I would like to thank the regional administration for this. Not every region of Russia is able to hold such a sporting event like Student Spartakiada,” Vitaly Mutko said.

In his welcoming word, governor Vasily Bochkarev noted the importance of Spartakiada in strengthening of the foundation of patriotic education, civic solidarity, spiritual and moral traditions of the youth.

“Development of Physical Culture and Sports has always been one of the most important priorities. After all, a healthy nation is the foundation of a strong country, a reliable guarantee of its prosperity and power,” the head of the region stressed.

The anthem of the Russian Federation, lighting of Spartakiada torch and the fireworks concluded the ceremony.