The history of the creation and development of the Volga Region State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism is a convincing example of how large-scale sports projects entailing grandiose infrastructural changes can become a powerful catalyst for the region's development processes.
The Volga Region University traces its history back to 1974, when a branch of the Volgograd State Academy of Physical Culture was established in Kazan.
In connection with the construction of the Kama Automobile Plant (KAMAZ) in 1986 the branch was transferred to Naberezhnye Chelny, and in 1997 the Kama State Institute of Physical Culture (KamGIFK) was established on its basis.
In 2006, the institution was granted the status of an academy. The university was renamed the Kama State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism (KamGAFKSiT).
In 2008 Kazan was awarded the right to host the XVII World University Summer Games. As part of the Universiade Legacy Concept, the university returned to Kazan in 2010 and received not only a new name - the Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism (PovGAFKSiT), but also 7 modern sports facilities built for the Universiade.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) established its first International Education Centre at the university.
The next 10 years were spent on the development of the Academy, which became one of the largest "players" in the Russian market of sports education. The Academy reached its design capacity in terms of enrolment of applicants, the teaching staff of the university and the main pool of educational programmes were formed.
In March 2021, the Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism was renamed the Volga Region State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism. The new status expanded opportunities in educational, scientific and international spheres of activity. The founder of the university is the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation.