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Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko and Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko have congratulated Ukrainians on the Day of Physical Training and Sports.

"Every year physical training and sports become a greater part of our life, being the important factor for preserving and strengthening the nation's health," reads the president's statement. "Therefore, the improvement of the physical training system, the development of a mass sports movement are among the priorities of the state policy. I believe in the great future of the Ukrainian sports, in new records and triumphs on the world's most prestigious arenas."

Yushchenko thanked coaches who have devoted their life to brining up the youth and expressed gratitude to the athletes who win recognition for Ukraine during national and international competitions. "Your daily untiring efforts, courage and will, your victories inspire the rising generation to sports, the training of the body and spirit, and to a healthy life," he said.

In her greetings, Premier Tymoshenko said she wishes that physical training and sports become an integral part of every Ukrainian family's life.

"From my part, I promise to do my best to create proper conditions: modern stadiums and gymnasiums for professionals, equipped sports grounds for amateurs, chains of sports schools for children," Tymoshenko said in her statement.

The Day of Physical Training and Sports is marked in Ukraine on the second Saturday of September under presidential decree No. 340/94 dated June 29, 1994.