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The President of the Republic at the opening of the 33rd Tartu Marathon, on 10 February 2002, at Otepää10.02.2002
Dear Athletes, Organizers and Guests
The world is extremely colourful and manifold like a mosaic, and sport is one of the most striking pieces in this mosaic. A variety of different sports and their singularity put a wide range of human abilities on display before the eyes of millions of people. One can gain a laurel wreath within ten seconds but also due to greatest efforts lasting for many hours.
The marathon-effort has gone down in history as the heroic deed of a messenger bringing the news of victory. Isn't it true, that a victory in sports is a heroic deed of certain kind too, but more important is to be a participant in this wonderful spectacle. Credit goes to all participants who not only make sports more attractive but also contribute to their own mental and physical health. The mixture of seething emotions and sufferings inherent in sportsdom ennobles the mind and hardens the body.
Through physical activities, through children's and youth sports, society is bringing up a healthy new generation. It's only natural that we wish every new generation to hold healthy values in esteem, we wish them to be educated and capable of showing consideration for the others, to feel happy thanks to being healthy and successful and supported by their families.
The spectators at a sports event while expecting their emotional experience are hardly different from an audience at a concert. Thus, neither makes it sense to carry out Marathons without spectators, nor concerts without audience. Therefore, I would like to thank the large crowd of spectators here today. It is at an event like this, where culture and sport can accord with each other to perfect the human being in his all-round development.
You, participants from 24 countries, are ready for a long effort. You are the best of your countries and at the same time messengers of your countries here in northern Estonia hosting the well-known Tartu Marathon for cross-country skiers from around the world. Thanks to you we can enjoy the majestic sight of a human stream with thousands of skiers, each of whom is trying his utmost during the long hours separating him from the finish. Yet, the biggest winners are those who, having put themselves to the test, can make the competition distance.
I wish all of you strength to make the Marathon!
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