The message reads, in part:
“We are very pleased that the leadership of the International Military Sports Council chose our country for hosting this high-profile international competition. We have every right to be proud of the traditions of excellence in our military sports, and possess extensive experience in organising sports competitions for military personnel. Of course, we will do everything to make sure that the arrangements for the games meet the highest standards.
I would like to note that these games have brought together under their banners many participants from Russia and several other countries, offering them great conditions for training and competing at modern sports facilities which were built or upgraded for the occasion, including stadiums, military ranges, swimming pools, and gymnasiums at military schools of Russia’s Northern capital. After all, practicing sports is an important and integral element of military training for cadets, making them stronger in spirit and helping them build persistence, resolve, endurance and team spirit.
I am certain that the games will be remembered for their festive atmosphere, intense, honest, spectacular and uncompromising competition, and will help reinforce professional ties and build people-to-people contacts, as well as elevate the prestige of military service. Of course, the participants and guests will have a chance to discover St Petersburg’s unique historical, cultural and spiritual heritage.”