The President said, in particular, in his message:
“This wonderful holiday symbolises the rich sporting traditions of which our country is justifiably proud. Russia has always made sports and fitness a national priority. It is mass sport that has nurtured our outstanding constellation of famous champions and forged their characters and will. This year is a special year. We hosted the XXII Winter Olympics with success and Russia’s national team won a record number of medals at these Games. Victories such as this fill us with pride for our country and serve as a reliable beacon for young people.
We are working hard today to develop modern sports infrastructure. We are building new stadiums, ice arenas, training and health centres, and re-equipping school gyms. This makes it possible for people of all ages to be involved in sport and fitness and to preserve and follow a healthy and active way of life.”