The message reads, in part:
“The Youth Olympic Games are rightly viewed as a large-scale international event bringing together gifted young people from all continents. For that reason, taking part in these high-profile competitions is a special honour and great responsibility. Hard work and stamina helped you achieve impressive results and join Russia’s national team. I sincerely congratulate your united closely-knit team, which represents practically all sports, on your well-deserved ticket to the Games.
I would like to stress that raising the younger generation in the Olympic spirit, exposing them to the values of physical fitness and healthy living is among Russia’s state policy priorities. Medals and prizes at big international competitions and tournaments tellingly prove that we have plenty of talented young athletes who successfully survive the fiercest competition and become leaders in various sports. It is certainly important that most participants in the Youth Games are pursuing their professional careers in high performance sport.
I am confident that you will perform with dignity in Buenos Aires, showing a combat spirit and commitment to win and adding another memorable page to the history of youth sport.”