Yakutsk hosts 'Russia is a Sports Power' Forum

Yakutsk hosted the International Sports Forum "Russia is a Sports Power" from 4 to 7 July. The event was related to the issues of children's sports, the Paralympic movement and national sports. The subject of "ethnic sport" also received attention. It was suggested that physical education lessons, which, unfortunately, do not enjoy popularity among children at schools, should be added with national sports games.

The forum was attended by several Heads of Subjects of the Russian Federation, representatives of the Federation Council and State Duma, heads of executive bodies in the sphere of physical culture and sports of 79 subjects of the Russian Federation, representatives of the teaching and coaching staff of youth sports schools from 54 regions, heads of educational and scientific institutions, the presidents of several nationwide sports federations, heads the Olympic Council of National Olympic Committees of Asia, representatives of UNESCO.

The forum participants identified priority goals and objectives of the development of youth sport in the medium and long term. They also discussed issues of improving the system of mass physical culture and sports activities for children and young people, public support for national sports. Member of the Federation Council Svetlana Zhurova believes that there are many difficulties with the development of these sports are: ambiguous rules, not many of those willing to do such sports. However, she believes: "National sports can help in shaping the sport and healthy lifestyles of young people and bring up their character. They are suitable for youth leisure because they do not need any special conditions."

During the forum, questions were raised as to enhance the role of regional and municipal programs for the development of physical culture and sports, the use of physical education and sports opportunities to increase tolerance and counter the proliferation of various forms of discrimination among young people.

"For example, it is interesting for children in kindergartens to study the national sports of the peoples of Russia. I know for sure -  kindergartens in Dagestan have such experiences. In addition, this forms tolerant attitude and understanding of other cultures. Next. We have three physical education lessons a week, and, unfortunately, children do not like them much. Why not including national sports game in these lessons? You do not need expensive equipment - there are no extra costs either, " said Svetlana Zhurova.

Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko announced the task of the ministry entrusted to him: "We set ourselves the task to engage 40% of Russians in regular sports by 2020. President decided to extend the federal target program "Development of physical culture and sport in Russia for 2006-2015" till 2020. Thus, we have received the state order in the country to create a unified system of training the sports reserve."