Vladimir Putin: Mass Participation in Sport Must Be Revived

Vladimir Putin has called the resurrection of mass participation in sport the main task of the Presidential Committee for Sport and Exercise. According to the President's press service, he declared that it is 'essential to develop a clear and effective sports policy.' Putin believes that a system of stimuli is required, which would allow the development of sport on the basis of various sources of funding, particularly from business.

The President mentioned a number of difficulties that must be overcome in order to revive widespread participation in sport in the country. 'It is essential to establish affordable sports centres, and not just fitness centres for well-off people,' he said. The President also announced that next year the level of funding for sport in Russia would double.