Dear friends,
Greetings, and welcome to Cape Lopatka in the Kamchatka Territory.
The history of Russia contains many examples of courage and self-sacrifice shown by our servicemen during the Second World War. One such example is the legendary Kuril Landing Operation, during which, 70 years ago, enemy forces far outnumbering our own were defeated, marking the end of hostilities in the Far East. Your relay swim commemorates those heroic events.
Today, this event has brought together the best swimmers from various regions of Russia and from other countries, near and far, who are prepared to follow the historic route of the Kuril landing party, and swim 13 km from Cape Lopatka to the island of Shumshu under extreme conditions.
I am sure that this marathon relay will be an impressive and unforgettable sporting event, displaying to the whole world the high professionalism, excellent training and willpower of the swimmers. But the main thing is it will show that the great feat of these heroes lives on in our memory.
I wish you good luck and a good swim.
Dmitry Medvedev