At the coordination meeting, the following representatives of our partners were present: Slovenian University Sports Association: Otmar Kugovnik, President, Božidar Pučnik, Vice-President, Matjaž Pečovnik, Secretary General, Milan Žvan, Technical committee member and Klemen Tasič, UŠZM President; University City of Maribor: Franc Kangler, Mayor; Municipality of Ruše: Vili Rezman, Mayor; Municipality of Zreče: Drago Šešerko, Vice-Mayor; Olympic Committee of Slovenia: Leo Kremžar, Vice-President; University of Maribor: Mejra Festić, Vice-Rector; Ski club Branik: Marko Rataj, Technical Director; Kraft & Werk: Tomaž Gaube, Director; RTV Slovenia, Regional center Maribor: Matej Žunkovič.
The decision on the host will be known on May 31 in Brussels. "Even though our candidature for Universiade in 2011 was well-prepared and presented, we did not get that event. This encouraged us to prepare for the 2013 candidature even better. Maribor and Ruše re now joined by Zreče, so that the entire Pohorje would be used for competitions. At the Alliance in the Alps network meeting, which took place in Italy in the beginning of February, 25 mayors expressed support to our candidature which reinsured my belief that we will be chosen as the hosts. The candidature was confirmed and supported by the National Assembly and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. I am convinced we will succeed this time," stated the Mayor of Maribor, Mr Franc Kangler.
Prof. dr. Otmar Kugovnik, the President of Slovenian University Sports Association also believes that Maribor, teamed with Ruše and Zreče, really has a strong chance to get the Winter Universiade in 2013. "Not only because we are the only candidate; we meet all the criteria to host the Universiade. We have already forgotten about the last year's disappointment. In mid April we will host representatives of the International University Sport Federation which will evaluate our candidacy and see everything related to the organisation. I am convinced that they will return satisfied."
The Mayor of Ruše, Vili Rezman, shares a similar opinion: "The Universiade is a project which outgrows Maribor, Ruše and Zreče. It is a national project. I hope that we will make a quality presentation, and that we will be chosen as the host. The organisation of Universiade is a big project, also financially. Funding is guaranteed by the Slovenian Government, partners and we will apply for European funds as well. The Universiade is an opportunity to improve the infrastructure in this region of Slovenia, and thus achieving log-term economic, tourist, cultural and sport effects."
