Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s greetings to organisers and participants of the 9th World Games of Young Compatriots and the SCO

I cordially greet organisers and participants of the 9th World Games of Young Compatriots and the SCO.

Over the past years, your competitions have established themselves as a major athletic and educational venue. It is hard to overestimate their contribution to the upbringing of the younger generation in the spirit of enduring moral values and guidelines, the popularising of healthy and active lifestyle, and the deepening of international youth ties.

In May, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. Your meeting is taking place in the Leningrad Region, which is the field of the longest battle in the history of the war. It is gratifying to see that the extensive cultural and educational programme includes ceremonies for laying flowers at the monuments to fallen Soviet soldiers.

I am convinced that this time, too, the Games will be held in the spirit of fair competition, become a memorable event in the life of each participant, and help young athletes make new friends.

I wish you unforgettable impressions and all the best.

SERGEY LAVROV