It is my great pleasure to welcome all the young participants and spectators to the 2015 FIE Cadet and Junior Championships in Tashkent. It is certainly a particular pleasure for the President of the International Fencing Federation, Alisher Usmanov, that his home town, the capital city of Uzbekistan, is for the first time hosting the biggest gathering of the best young, talented fencers from all over the world,
Organised under the auspices of the International Fencing Federation, this event will be the perfect stepping stone for all young athletes to prepare themselves for further experiences at higher levels and become the Olympians of tomorrow. To all the young fencers, from 1 to 9 April, you will compete in the sport you love with all your strength and energy. You will also experience the joy of sport on a global stage. Above all, play fair, respect and promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, which is just as important as a place on the podium.
On behalf of the Olympic Movement, I would like to express my thanks to the International Fencing Federation, the Uzbekistan Olympic Committee, the Uzbek Fencing Federation and the Local Organising Committee with the support of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and its government. All of you have done everything in your power to offer the best conditions possible to the athletes and spectators, whose enthusiastic support is guaranteed.
I send my best wishes for success for the 2015 FIE Cadet and Junior World Championships. To my young fellow athletes, I wish each of you a great time and competition in Tashkent!
President of the International Olympic Committee,
Thomas Bach