Page 134 - Olympism in Socialism
P. 134
military strength, economic strength, aid
to developing countries, and scientific research,
especially in space technology and weaponry.
SPORTS IN USSR
A sound mind in a sound body — so goes the
saying. And physical culture and sports play a
very important role in the harmonious
development of an individual.
The main feature of the sports movement in
the USSR is its mass character. About 70 million
people out of the more than 250-million-strong
population of the USSR actively go in for sports.
The state and mass organizations are steadily
developing the material and technical base of
sports. At present the country has nearly 3,300
big stadiums with a total seating capacity of 12
million. There are also over 66,000 gymnasiums,
600,000 sports grounds of all kinds and 1,500
swimming pools. Some 300,000 specialists,
including about 200,000 qualified trainers and
PT teachers, are helping to accomplish the main
social task of bringing sports and physical
123

