24 may 2008

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening of the Moscow Judo Super World Cup 2008

Vladimir Putin

Opening of the Moscow Judo Super World Cup 2008

Participants:
"Judo means not only good health, strong muscles and having special techniques and skills. Judo is also generosity, tolerance, helping each other and friends. The principles of judo fully correspond to the principles of building a tolerant society."

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening of the Moscow Judo Super World Cup 2008. At the Cup beginning, Vladimir Putin was presented with a Certificate of Honorary President of the International Judo Federation.

Vladimir Putin's speech at the opening of the Moscow Judo Super World Cup 2008:

Good afternoon,

Firstly, I would like to thank members of the International Judo Federation and Mr Marius Vizer [president of the Federation] for the decision to appoint me as Honorary President of the International Judo Federation.

The International Judo Federation is one of the most active, numerous and extensive organisations, which unites 187 national sports federations.

For me, it is particularly pleasing to become member of this significant and large family of enthusiasts, since my life has been connected with this kind of sport in one way or other.

There is no one in this hall who came here by incident. We all love this martial art, and know that judo means not only good health, strong muscles and having special techniques and skills. Judo is also generosity, tolerance, helping each other and friends. The principles of judo fully correspond to the principles of building a tolerant society.

We will do our best to make the activities of the International Judo Federation in Russia as vigorous, busy and efficient as they are anywhere in the world. We will do everything to make the key principles of judo, the principles of the "gentle way", in demand and popular in our country.

Thank you for your attention.