Dmitry Medvedev: “Sport brings people together and helps break down barriers between them. Thanks to everyone who believes in its noble ideals and follows them every moment of their lives. ”
Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks:
Dmitry Medvedev speaking at the closing ceremony of the 29th Winter Universiade
Friends, guests, just a few minutes are left before this grand celebration of sport, the 29th Winter Universiade 2019, comes to an end.
Russia hosted the Universiade for the third time and the winter student games for the first time. We have been preparing for this event for almost six years. We did our best so that the guests and participants of the competition could experience Russia’s warmth and hospitality and make good friends and develop lasting frinedships.
These eleven unforgettable days in Krasnoyarsk, the capital of Siberia, were filled with strong and memorable emotions. The first record was set even before the competition began with the number of participating countries – 58, the most in the entire history of the winter student games. The competition was held in 11 winter sports for 76 sets of medals. The competition was fierce, testing the limits of human strength and ability.
I want to sincerely congratulate all the winners. You had worthy competitors, but you were the best of the best. However, the main victory, the main result is that, while there are champions, there are no losers. The most important victory is the one we share. It belongs to all the participants and organisers of the Universiade, trainers and doctors, judges and spectators, the thousands of volunteers and the millions of fans. Those who put all their energy and heart into it, who watched the competitions on their edge of their seats in the stands and on TV, and worked at the Universiade Village and all its sites. You have once again proved what is most important in sport – dignity and perseverance, team spirit, mutual support, dedication and absolute commitment to the principles of fair play.
The Universiade is coming to an end, but we are not saying goodbye. I hope that Krasnoyarsk has left the very best memories in your hearts. Here, young athletes were able to fully demonstrate their talents and create an excellent springboard for themselves to reach new heights and records. We invite our foreign guests to come to Russia again. You are always welcome.
Friends, in today’s world, we are constantly being divided and set against each other. We often face political and economic pressure, unfriendly and biased attitudes of one country towards another. However, celebrations of sport such as the Universiade give us hope that these problems are temporary, not permanent. Sport brings people together and helps break down barriers between them. Thanks to everyone who believes in its noble ideals and follows them every moment of their lives.
I wish you good luck, new victories, prosperity and happiness.