In his address, Mr Ivanov noted the successful development of sport in Russia and expressed confidence that this would bring Russian athletes new victories. He also wished all those present health, success and high spirits.
Sergei Ivanov also read out a message of greeting from the President to the organisers, participants and guests of the 2015 Russian Olympians Ball. The President wrote in his message that such meetings were always a great event, a true holiday, uniting the country’s best athletes, their coaches and mentors, representatives of public and volunteer organisations and the relevant ministries and agencies.
The Russian Olympians Ball has been held since 1989. Among the participants were members of and candidates to the Russian Olympic team to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, winners of the First European Games in Baku, as well as legendary Russian Olympic athletes of various years, representatives of sports federations, heads of Russian Olympic Committee sponsor and partner companies and public figures.
During the event, the Russian Olympic Committee and the Sports Ministry presented awards to coaches and athletes, winners of the Sports Elite 2015 national competition, and winners in the Pride of Russia 2015 national fitness and sport competition in three nominations: best male athlete, best female athlete and best coach.