Page 61 - Olympism in Socialism

sphere of sports in harmony with the aims and
objects of the physical-training organizations.
The central committees of sports unions are
affiliated to international physical training, sports
and tourist organizations. A number of
Czechoslovak officials are active in the managing
bodies of international federations.
The membership of physical-training
associations increased from 1.2 million to more
than 1.7 million in 1978. About one million of this
total membership are adults, 230,000 are juniors
and 480,000 pupils and children. Approximately
14 percent of Czechoslovakia’s total population
between the ages of five and 60 years are
members of physical-training associations.
The most popular sport in Czechoslovakia is
football, the number of registered members of
football sections totaling 504,992. Next come ice-
hockey sections with 67,376 members, handball
and Czech handball sections with 44,216
members, water-sports sections with 43,542
members, basketball sections with 37,973
members, athletics sections with 37,841
members, chess sections with 28,573 members,
etc.
The achievements of sportsmen, instructors,
coaches and other workers in the sphere of
physical training and sports are suitably
rewarded. The title “Honoured Worker in Physical
Training and Sports” represents the highest
recognition given to a sportsman. Active
sportsmen are awarded the titles of “Master of
Sorts” and “Honoured Master of Sports”.
Voluntary instructors, coaches and referees
are divided into three categories. For example, a
3rd category coach must undergo seven to 10
days training and pass an examination. A person
can become a 2 category coach if he has either
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