The message reads, in part:
“Today we are paying tribute to sports and fitness professionals, the workers who perform a much-needed and noble mission of promoting physical fitness and the values of healthy and active lifestyle, especially among young people; those who have selflessly worked hard and continue to serve for the glory of our national sports. Of course, it is also a remarkable occasion for the big and united team of sports enthusiasts.
It is symbolic that this year Sports and Fitness Day coincides with the National Olympic Day marking the 40th anniversary of the 22nd Olympic Games hosted by our country. We are rightly proud of the 1980 Olympics triumphant winners and other distinguished athletes. Starting their career paths from sports grounds at home, school clubs and teams, they achieved outstanding results and created spectacular and unforgettable pages in the history of world sports. Their brilliant victories are vitally important for educating the younger generation and strengthening our country’s position as a great athletic nation.
Notably, there are a great number of projects these days focusing on improving sports infrastructure, training qualified coaches and mentors, developing elite and popular sports, which means creating new opportunities for a healthy and active life of every person. This is our absolute priority.”