By Gary Anderson at Alba di Canazei in Trento

December 21 - Trentino 2013 President Sergio Anesi extinguishes the ceremonial flame to mark the closing of the 26th Winter Universiade ©Alice Russolo/Trentino 2013 UniversiadeThe 26th Winter Universiade came to a close here tonight with International University Sports (FISU) President Claude-Louis Gallien declaring them a huge success.

He then handed the FISU flag over to Aurelio Urena Espa, President of Granada 2015, and the city's Deputy Mayor Juan Antonio Merida.

The crowds inside a chilly ice hockey arena here were treated to a rousing rendition of the Italian national anthem as children skated on, each carrying a flag of a competing nation.

Gallien led the dignitaries, including Trentino 2013 President Sergio Anesi and Ugo Rossi, head of the Autonomous Province of Trento, to the centre of the arena to make their closing speeches.

"This was the Universiade of innovation, sustainability and harmony," declared Anesi.

"This was the Universiade of the entire community, the community of Trentino: we are proud of how much 10 villages, five valleys and a small but special community have been able to deliver.

"Trentino became a sort of global village and we all hope that it will become your community.

"We won and we won as a team.

"We hope that you will all keep the experience of the Universiade Trentino 2013 in your hearts and memory."

FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien addresses the crowd at the Trentino 2013 Winter Universiade Closing Ceremony ©Alice RussoloTrentino 2013 UniversiadeFISU President Claude-Louis Gallien addresses the crowd at the Trentino 2013 Winter Universiade Closing Ceremony ©Alice RussoloTrentino 2013 Universiade


























Just as he did during the Opening Ceremony 11 nights ago in the Piazza Duomo, Gallien stressed how this Universiade was "Inspired by You"; the athletes and the volunteers who made it possible.

"We all worked very hard to seize this challenge and organise this great event," he told the crowd.

"We; the student-athletes, the coaches, the judges and the referees, the technicians and the volunteers.

"We trained and trained again, to be ready, and we made it.

"Everyone did their best, everyone in their own way, but all together.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to close this 26th Winter Universiade Trentino 2013."

Following the speeches, the Flame was carried onto the ice for Anesi to extinguish, bringing the Games to a close before the FISU flag was slowly lowered.

A group of Spanish dancers brought proceedings on the night to a close, performing some traditional Andalucian flamenco and giving a taste of things to come in Granada when the Universiade pitches up in Southern Spain do it all again.

A taste of Granada as traditional Spanish dancers entertained the crowd in Alba di Canazei ©Alice Russolo/Trentino 2013 UniversiadeA taste of Granada as traditional Spanish dancers entertained the crowd in Alba di Canazei ©Alice Russolo/Trentino 2013 Universiade

















Prior to the Closing Ceremony, the final medals were handed out and here as the showpiece final saw Canada's men make it an ice hockey double as they proved much superior to Kazakhstan in the gold medal match, winning 6-2, to add to the women's triumph last night.

Alexander shin gave the Kazakhs a shock lead inside 15 seconds but the Canadians soon recovered and went in after the first period 3-1 to the good thanks to goals from Mike Cazzola, Josh Day and Matt Maione.

They were always a step ahead in class against a valiant Kazakhstan side and that class was further evidenced through through two strikes from captain Chris Culligan and Nick MacNeil.

A late goal by Shin was merely a consolation and the Canadians were soon celebrating.

"We are very glad about our victory," said Culligan.

"Kazakhstan are an outstanding team, we could not expect such a large victory because anything could happen in an ice hockey match.

"We're enjoying this victory, our guys have deserved it".

Earlier Russia overcame the United States 6-2 also, in the bronze medal match.

Canada completed the ice hockey double on the final day at Trentino 2013 as their men overcame Kazakhstan ©Max Pattis/Trentino 2013 UniversiadeCanada completed the ice hockey double on the final day at Trentino 2013 as their men overcame Kazakhstan ©Max Pattis/Trentino 2013 Universiade


























History was made in Monte Bondone as Natalie Good proved just that by becoming the first ever Winter Universaide gold medallist from New Zealand after she claimed the women's snowboard slope-style crown.

Philippe Haenni of Switzerland took the men's title.

The final event at Lago di Tesero witnessed a familiar occurrence as once again Russia monopolised the podium, this time in the men's cross-country 30 kilometre mass start race.

Vladislav Skobeliev led home compatriots Emil Vokuev and Andrey Feller to see Russia finish in overall first place on the final medal table with 49 in total, 15 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze.

Poland with 10 gold, three silver and three bronze were next, followed by South Korea with eight gold, nine silver and seven bronze.

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