In his greeting the head of state said, in part:
”Your traditional competition plays an important role in the development of child and youth sports, and general physical education. It promotes education among the younger generation, a respect for healthy living and a dedication to fair competition. And of course it helps young people from different countries to make friends.
Let me wish the young athletes strong camaraderie, good luck, new victories, and the most exalted rewards, and I hope the fans go away with vivid and memorable impressions.“
The games were held for the first time in 1996. They are held every four years and synchronised with the Summer Olympics.
The 4th International Children of Asia Games will be held from 4 to 13 July in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). They will be attended by more than two thousand athletes from 16 foreign countries and 26 Russian regions.