“We are currently carrying out intensive work in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This large-scale project must pool together the efforts of the state, the business community, public organisations and, of course, fans and football supporters. I have no doubt that we will hold this event in a befitting manner, that we will host one of the most outstanding FIFA World Cups in the history of this wonderful sport, in the history of football.”
“I would like to note that football in Russia has always been more than just a sport. It would be no exaggeration to say that this spectacular, exciting and captivating game has become a way of life for many generations of this country's citizens. We are rightly proud of the achievements of our national team, whose achievements include Olympic gold medals and victory at the UEFA European Football Championship. We are proud of our wonderful clubs, who have won numerous continental cups.”
“Russia will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time. I would like to stress once again that we are grateful to FIFA and all the representatives of the world football community for making this choice. As we see it, it is an acknowledgement of this country's achievements in the development of sport and football and an assessment of the new Russia in general as an open and successful country, setting itself the most ambitious goals and capable of holding such large-scale events.”
“We have been investing quite heavily at the federal level in sports and physical fitness lately. Regional spending is also on the rise. Unfortunately, the number of people engaged in athletic activities is not as large as, say, in Finland, but it’s steadily growing. We are getting close to international standards. As a matter of fact, such events as the World Cup and the Olympics promote sports in the country.”
“We currently attach to sports the closest and most serious attention: we are creating new and better conditions in which to train our athletes and teams for major world competitions at the highest, most modern level. We are updating the infrastructure, we are building stadiums and fields, we are supporting sports in schools, among students, we are doing everything we can in order for sports to become a part of life for every Russian family.”
“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.”
