Rectors of leading world universities will deliver presentations at the FISU Conference University and Olympic Sport: Two Models - One Goal on July 14-17 at the Main International Center of the Universiade Village.

The rapid development of innovative technologies has changed athletics on the global level. Nowadays, stadiums are state-of-the-art venues in terms of their visual appeal and functionality, timing and judging are performed electronically. These aspects will be examined in detail in a presentation at the FISU Conference by Vladimir Taymazov. He is recognised in this country and abroad as an expert in the field of physical culture and sport. He is a decorated Russian coach, President of the Savat European Boxing Federation and Vice-President of the Russian Student Sports Union (RSSU). Taymazov is also Rector of the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Culture, Sport and Health in St. Petersburg. More than 300 of its graduates have attained the Merited Master of Sport title, and more than 500 are accomplished coaches in various sports. In total, students and staff of the university have won 168 Olympic gold medals, and during the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, they will join their rector for the Games and the FISU Conference.

These aspects are being studied not just in Russia but abroad as well. Jean-Loup Chappelet will report on the degree to which University and Olympic sport are becoming more modern and comprehensive. He is an expert in the management of non-profit organisations and a professor of the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) at the University of Lausanne.

Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University will be represented by Rector Ilshat Gafurov, a deputy in the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan, will also be a keynote speaker at the FISU Conference. His speech will examine the historical, cultural and social aspects of University and Olympic sport and discuss the athletic tradition and the current state of athletics development at Kazan University. The theme was chosen due to the long history of university athletics in Russia and the Republic of Tatarstan and also to the variety of cross-cultural relations.