The message reads, in part:
“Over the last several decades, the Deaflympics have rightly become an international-calibre sporting event. This year’s games in Slovakia will bring together participants from 26 countries around the world, giving the athletes an opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency and teamwork.
Since 1995, the Russian national team has consistently been among the top teams in overall team rankings at all Winter Deaflympics. I am certain that this year, your willpower, perseverance and courage will once again help you achieve excellent results and enrich your traditions of championship, meeting the expectations of your coaches and your many fans.”
The 17th Winter Deaflympics will be held on February 18–26, 2011, in Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia. Twenty-seven sets of medals will be presented in five sporting events: cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey and curling.
The Russian national team is made up of 63 athletes from 16 regions of the Russian Federation.