VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
“There are large sports forums still to come, a whole series of critical and intensive competitions. National teams are in full swing preparing for the London games. I want to wish our athletes and coaches success in the Olympic Games. I am sure that the experience of past generations and your modern approaches to training, as well as the ardent support from millions of Russian fans will help you.”
“We are proud that Russia has been part of the Olympic movement practically from the very beginning. We share and support the philosophy of the Olympic movement, the fundamental values and ideas set forth by baron de Coubertin. Talent and hard work, the spirit of friendship and solidarity, fair competition and the champion’s grace and nobility – these are values common to each nation, qualities that unite all humanity.”
“The last century has justly been lauded as an era that saw a rapid upsurge of sports, the most decisive breakthroughs and progress. This striving towards perfection, to new peaks is also expressed in the famous Olympic motto: «Faster, Higher, Stronger!» Our champions and record-breakers have contributed to the history of these gains a substantial number of brilliant, unforgettable pages. They have attained prestige for their country and built up the glory of a world-class sports nation.”
“We are now restoring the system of training world-class athletes that must defend our colours at international competitions – and from there, it trickles down. Every level should have its own area of responsibility. <…>We will encourage your municipal colleagues to create the conditions necessary for effectively addressing your challenges. In the end, the success of our national teams depends on your effective work.”
“The national school for training coaches and teachers has developed quickly and has by right received international recognition in its 115 years of existence. Moreover, our specialists are considered to be the best in the world in many sports. Therefore, it’s very important to maintain professional continuity and carry on the traditions we’ve established.”
“Athleticism should be promoted at regular secondary schools, too. As you know, the third physical education lesson is about to be introduced in the curriculum. I am confident that this is absolutely the right move. However, we should support this decision by building new sports facilities. This is the only way to achieve our goal.”
“We want to involve as many people as possible in physical fitness and sports and to promote the values of a healthy lifestyle in society.”
“Russia deserves to host this championship [World Ice Hockey Championship] just to commemorate our glorious achievements, and not just because we have not been awarded this honour in decades, but because of our great desire to stage a great event and promote the ideas of sportsmanship, athletism and fair play.”
“I believe that hosting the World Ice Hockey Championship will give Russia fresh impetus to develop infrastructure and to raise public awareness, primarily among young people, about the ideals of sport. We hope it will encourage people to take up physical fitness and help promote a healthy lifestyle.”
“We will continue developing an easily accessible and affordable infrastructure for sports and recreation, opening new stadiums, swimming pools, sports and fitness centres all across Russia. In all, we will be creating a modern national fitness system.”
