Norilsk Nickel Mining and Metallurgical Company (MMC Norilsk Nickel) has signed on as a general partner of the 2019 winter Universiade multi-sport event.
The competition will be held in the Russian city of Krasnoyarsk. The local organising committee confirmed that MMC Norilsk Nickel, a Moscow-headquartered firm, will commit more than RUB1bn (€11.8m/$13.1m) to the event.
In return, the company will be granted exclusive rights and promotional opportunities in the build-up to, and during, the Universiade.
MMC Norilsk Nickel owns the Bobrovy Log entertainment park, one of the venues that will be used for the event.
Elena Bezdenezhnykh, vice-president of MMC Norilsk Nickel, said: “Our agreement contains a whole range of rights and obligations concerning the upkeep of Bobrovy Log after the staging of the winter Universiade, enabling the citizens of Krasnoyarsk, Siberia and the whole of Russia to use its venues and enjoy sport.”
Maxim Urazov, general director of the 2019 winter Universiade, added: “Our announcement today proves that we are taking concrete steps forward. The involvement of Norilsk Nickel means investment and an opportunity to use their experience. It is a recipe for success. Many of Krasnoyarsk’s citizens will be able to take part in the preparation and staging of the event. We will open Krasnoyarsk and Siberia to the world and show that we have large cities with developed infrastructure and welcoming citizens.”
The International University Sports Federation (Fisu) elected Krasnoyarsk as the host city for the 2019 winter Universiade in November 2013. It will be held from March 2-12, 2019, with athletes competing across 11 sports in 73 disciplines.