Toomas Hendrik Ilves
President of the Republic of Estonia

Honoured patron of XXVI SELL Student Games

Dear Student Sportsmen,

The rapidly changing world around us has remarkably influenced the behaviour, habits and preferences of the people living in developed countries. Politically, it would be most correct to promote healthy lifestyle, sports and education, but the real life shows sooner enjoyment and evasion of any physical and mental strain. This kind of lifestyle is already leaving its mark on the attitude of our younger generation, the consequences of which might turn out to be a loss in lifetime and quality of life. You serve as a living example, showing that it is possible to live in another way; that the faith and hope of the ancient Romans, believing that in a sound body, there’s a sound mind and vice versa, has not died.

You have the will and you are well prepared to spread the message that a person going in for sports does not live in vain or deal with some incomprehensible extravagance to each youngster, grown-up and senior, to the members of your family, and your friends. Your struggles and efforts offer pleasure to yourselves, but I do hope that many will follow your example. This is the only way to expect that the noble ideals for educating one’s mind and developing one’s body will reach the students of tomorrow, that the joy you feel today will live tomorrow.

Each step counts, but not each movement costs something! Be well, dear friends!

Kristjan Kais,
beach volleyball player

Sports patron of XXVI SELL Games

Dear Student Sportsmen,

I have been given the task to act as the sports patron of XXVI Tartu Student Games. I did not accept this honoured position in order just to inspire you to reach the stars while training yourselves. I do believe that you as the participants of the coming international student sports competitions take pains and work hard anyway in order to improve your results. My biggest wish is to remind you that though you will stay active and sporting for the rest of your lives, the period of active sportsman in the best form in your life will most probably not last for long. After that you will experience long years of active work life and building your career with all the concerns and satisfactions. For you to be most successful during that period you should by now means neglect your studies. I know how difficult it is to start with the studies after an intense training, but you have to overcome yourselves and believe you will benefit from it in the future. When your mind is working, your body can rest. It is important to remember that only an intelligent sportsman capable of thinking is able to use his good physical abilities for reaching the maximum results. The knowledge you get from the university will help you to be successful for the rest of your lives.

I wish you successful trainings and studies during the period of preparations for the SELL Student Games 2010!