The message reads, in part:

“Our country is rightly famed for its strong victorious traditions of the physical training movement, is proud of the legendary champions and record-holders brought up by mass sport. And the main thing is that sport builds character, instils in people the values of active lifestyle and helps boldly go forward and achieve the set goals.

I would like to note that Russia is paying much attention to building up-to-date and accessible sports infrastructure. All the regions open new stadiums, swimming pools, training and fitness centres and ice arenas; they raise the quality of teaching physical education in schools, specialised secondary schools and universities. And of course, it is encouraging that in the Year of the Family, various projects and initiatives are being implemented everywhere, competitions and tournaments are being held to develop family, children's and youth sports and improve the health of the older generation.

I am sure that such large-scale and responsible work will certainly continue. This is our absolute priority.”