Page 63 - Olympism in Socialism

gymnasts took part.
The spartakiad culminated in mass displays
in Prague. About 180,000 of the best gymnasts
gave two displays — once during the main
rehearsal and the second at the spartakiad
proper. The rehearsal was seen by 340,000
spectators and the final performance by 388,000.
The mass displays in Prague were thus seen by
728,000 persons; in addition, millions of people
watched them on the TV. As part of the
spartakiad various sport competitions and tourist
events were arranged which were attended by
about three million people.
In scope and achievements the recent
Czechoslovak Spartakiad surpassed the previous
Spartakiads, drawing on the experience gained in
the past. It marked the culmination of the
celebrations of the 35 anniversary of
th
Czechoslovakia’s liberation by the Soviet Army.
Active sportsmen take part in competitions — in
collective or individual sports — according to
their fitness. The competitions are modified
according to the character of the various sports.
For example, in the case of football, the
competitions at the lowest level are district
championships, followed by regional
championships and divisions; higher-grade
competitions are held at—the level of national
leagues (the Czech and the Slovak league) and the
highest is the Czechoslovak state-wide league. In
certain branches, the highest competition is the
Czechoslovak championship. As a rule the
competitions are arranged for various age groups;
for pupils, older pupils, adolescents, juniors and
adults.
The broad base of the Czechoslovak physical-
training system ensures all the conditions
necessary for the development of top- grade

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