"This remarkable holiday is widely celebrated across the entire country and unites a large number of people - athletes coaches workers of the sphere of physical culture and all adherers of the active and healthy way of life " the president said in his message reports Tass news agency.
Mass sports development is a key state task Putin stressed. "We will continue paying great attention to improving sports infrastructure and preparing highly skilled specialists instructors and tutors " the presidential congratulatory letter reads.
"It is important that every person should be able to engage in his or her favourite kind of sport irrespective of the person s age or profession.
"This is because sport fortifies an individual s spirit and will and teaches how to overcome difficulties and persistently seek to attain the goal that has been set."
"Many of our celebrated champions and record-holders started their ascent to the sports Olympus precisely from the physical culture movement from school sports sections and groups " Putin said.
Russia annually celebrates Physical Culture Day on the second Saturday of August.
--IANS pur/vm
