On behalf of the Sports Ministry of Russian Federation and myself personally, I am pleased to welcome the participants and guests of the XI International Sports Forum «Russia – country of sports»!

The forum platform brings together the heads of federal and regional executive authorities, sports federations, representatives of business, expert community, leaders of sports industry and mass media.

The key topics of discussion will be the development of the sports system in a multipolar world, enterpreneurship in the current realities, innovations and digitalization of the industry, as well as preparation for the Games of Future – a unique project in fidgital format, which will be held in Kazan in 2024.

Our country continues to organize various formats of competitions and makes them open – for Russia sport is still a symbol of peace, friendship, unity and fair competition. Development of sports cooperation in the year of the Russian Federation’s Presidency in the Eurasian Economic Union and implementation of the new ways of international cooperation will be discussed within the forum agenda.

Over the past time, sports relations between Russia and China have strengthened under sanctions, as well as countries of Asia, South America and Africa are expressing interest in cooperation too.

Currently, a number of agreements on international cooperation in the field of physical culture and sports have been signed. We are looking forward to the participation of our partners in the forum events.

Every year, the forum becomes the main event in sports industry, providing opportunities for participants to exchange experience and opinions. I am sure that the guests of Perm, which is hosting the forum in the year of its 300th anniversary, will highly appreciate the hospitality of the region. I wish all participants and guests of the forum fruitful cooperation and success in the fulfillment of all plans!

For the first time the Perm Region has been honored to host the XI International Sports Forum “Russia – country of sports”. It is very significant for us that it will be held as part of the 300th anniversary of the regional capital – the city of Perm, celebration.

Our region has accumulated extensive experience in organizing major sporting events at the highest level. This year alone, we became a venue for the Russian Figure Skating Grand Prix, the Christmas ski jumping tour with international participation, the Russian Biathlon Cup finals, and the Russian Sambo Championship.

We facilitate the development of professional and mass sports in the region. Over the past three years about 140 sport sites, including outdoor sports grounds, stadiums, sports and recreation centers, and ice rinks have been built and reconstructed. We implement unique projects to involve residents in free sports activities. We finance the “I Know How to Swim” project – last year we trained almost 3,000 schoolchildren in safe swimming, and this year we will train twice as many children..

Our professional athletes demonstrate outstanding achievements. They won 1 silver and 2 bronze medals at the Olympic Games in Beijing. These accomplishments over the years have ensured the Perm Region’s status as a major sports center of the country.

I firmly believe that the forum «Russia – country of sports» will give an additional impetus to the development of the industry in the Kama region. All participants will not only have a rich business and sports program, but also a chance to get acquainted with our unique region.

The Perm Region is a powerful in terms of the industrial sector area, with a rich culture, interesting history and fascinating nature. Getting acquainted with the Kama Region and its hospitable inhabitants will make it possible to keep such a bright and large-scale event as the international forum «Russia – country of sports» in your memory for a long time.

See you in the Perm Region!