Dear Sportsmen,
I would like in this way to greet you and wish you every success in this year's Emil Open Games, in the best of sporting atmospheres, to have that good feeling that comes from good performances and friendly surroundings that will motivate you in sport and fair play in the years to come.
Everyone of you will want to show their best, be it for themselves, for their team colours, for their parents and loved ones. I want to wish you the best return on your hours and hours of conscientious training. And to acknowledge all those hours, because I know that it is not always easy to get along with others and to get them to tell you: “That was great”. I hope it will be great, and that above all you will enjoy it yourself. In sport, just as in life, it is important to keep to the rules of the game, and it is also important to be able to shake hands with others, no matter what the result of the race.
Young sports men and women not only from the Czech Republic but from many other European countries as well are looking forward to this year’s Emil Open Games. As are many supporters of youth sport, who have made the commitment to support its successful organisation as volunteers. You are certainly supported by the many sports associations that give young people the chance to get involved. I am pleased that the Czech government can be included among the supporters of youth sport, and fortunately not just symbolically. I gives me a good feeling that we can provide financial help to young people like you, who want to take part in sport and to whom sport provides a positive feeling of life. I believe that this does our country credit in international terms as well.
I am really proud of the fact that the European Youth Games for Disabled People are being held in the Czech Republic for the sixth year. It is an outstanding opportunity for people with disabilities, their families, but also for volunteers, visitors and people in our country in general to realise that we are all part of one society and that health disabilities are not an obstacle that should prevent someone from living their life to the full. For this, thanks go in particular to the organisers from the Emil Endowment Fund, to whom I wish much strength and energy in the years to come. “
Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
