The messages reads, in part:
“The Russian Paralympic family unites talented, ambitious and strong-willed people who have achieved great success in sports, gave others faith in unlimited humans capabilities. Special mention should of course be made of the creative and selfless work of the coaches, mentors, medical staff and organisers and their outstanding contribution to the creation of decent conditions for our Paralympians’ training.
Today the best of the best are receiving the Return to Life Prize for their triumphant performance at some of the most prestigious competitions, for their unfailing devotion to the Paralympian movement’s values and ideals.
On my part, I would like to stress that the state will continue to prioritise the development of Paralympic sports and defend Russian athletes and teams’ interests at the highest international level.”