The message reads, in part:
“This country has always prioritised the development of sports and fitness and the promotion of healthy living. Our outstanding champions, winners of world championships, Universiades and Olympic games made their first steps forward at local sports clubs. Their victories have vital importance in educating the younger generation and strengthening Russia’s prestige as a great sports nation.
I would like to note that a lot is being done today to create an accessible, comfortable and high quality sports infrastructure, to revive the GTO [Ready for Labour and Defence] complex and improve specialised education. We are working consistently to attract people of all ages, particularly young people, to sports and an active lifestyle.”
Sports and Fitness Day is celebrated in Russia on the second Sunday of August, with many Russian cities holding a wide variety of sports events on this day. As of the beginning of 2015, 37 million people have regularly engaged in sports and fitness activities.