The message reads, in part:
“Greetings on the occasion of the nationwide mass ski race. I congratulate both long-time participants of the competition and those who have just joined this large-scale nationwide project.
It is important that Lyzhnya Rossii is gaining potential with each new year and attracts new fans of an active, healthy lifestyle of different ages, occupations and hobbies. It gives them a tremendous boost of vigour and positive emotions, a real celebration of sport and friendly socialising.”
The nationwide Lyzhnya Rossii mass ski race is taking place in 73 Russian regions, with over 1.5 million people expected to participate.
Lyzhnya Rossii is the world's biggest winter sport event in terms of the number of participants and geographical scope.