Chelyabinsk region eyes development of sport

Authorities of the Chelyabinsk region decided to pay serious attention to the development of sports in the region. Currently, nearly a quarter of local residents are systematically engaged in physical culture and sports. By 2020, this number is expected to grow to 50 percent.

Reaching this number is an absolutely realistic objective, although, of course, this is not about the numbers. "In the Development Strategy of the Chelyabinsk region, there is a goal to increasing life expectancy of local residents. Without regular sports exercises, this is impossible. We need healthy people even when they turn  74, we do not want them in wheelchairs or at hospitals," the head of the region, Boris Dubrovsky said.

In the Chelyabinsk region, playgrounds and school stadiums, indoor ice rinks, sports and recreation complexes are built; various large sports competitions are held. 

"Undoubtedly, without mass sports, without the initial phase, when little kids at primary schools try to learn something, when physical education teachers give them knowledge of different sports - without it there would be no athletes and no achievements in sport. There would be no victories and no medals that our people wait and need. Of course, it is impossible to do without it, this is very important and necessary," Alexander Bleer, Rector of the University of Physical Culture, Sport, Youth and Tourism said in an interview with Pravda.Ru.

Not that long ago, the Ministry of Sports of Russia held a work meeting of Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko the acting Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Boris Dubrovsky. The officials discussed the construction of sports facilities, the development of basic sports and promotion of healthy lifestyle, as well as details related to the World Judo Championship to be held in Chelyabinsk.

"This is our first meeting with Boris Dubrovsky. He led a large company before, which also paid great attention to sport and the development of physical culture. So he understands the role of physical education and sport in the region, including in terms of its influence on the social environment and human health, -  Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko shared his impressions in an interview with Pravda.Ru. - The conversation was thoroughly professional. We discussed many topics. My impressions are most positive so far. We'll see how we move. The Chelyabinsk region takes good positions, so we will work," he added.