VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
“Creating a sustainable system of mass sport, building a sufficient number of sports facilities, making them accessible, raising the role of physical fitness in education are priorities for many nations, including Russia. Our goal is to involve no less than 40% of our citizens to regular sport activities and healthy lifestyles by the year 2020.”
“We share the opinion that the level of involvement of people in sports and physical activity reflects the quality of the state’s social policy, shows how responsible the state is towards its citizens and their health, and the fate of future generations.”
“Russia, which marked last November the 100th anniversary of its participation in the Olympic movement, understands the great significance of sport’s humanitarian mission and its enormous role in the life of individuals and in the life of nations. <…> This gives added weight to the Olympic movement’s mission to promote tolerance and friendship, the principles of fair play and mutual respect. It is a force that can make our world more humane, more just and more open.”
“The most important aspect for the government is establishing infrastructure for the stable and long-term development of sport. As I mentioned, a huge amount of work has been done recently to build modern training grounds of federal and regional status. Moreover, many facilities that were built before 2008 are being renovated and equipped.”
“In 2011, for the first time in the history of modern Russia, we provided financial assistance to particular organisations that are responsible for athletic reserves for national teams. <…> The budget expenses for the entire calendar of sport events have increased. In 2009, we allotted around two billion roubles for these purposes. In 2012, we will allocate 3.5 billion. There is a system for motivating athletes and coaches who have achieved significant results from the budgets of all levels, as well as extra-budgetary sources.”
“We are currently carrying out intensive work in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This large-scale project must pool together the efforts of the state, the business community, public organisations and, of course, fans and football supporters. I have no doubt that we will hold this event in a befitting manner, that we will host one of the most outstanding FIFA World Cups in the history of this wonderful sport, in the history of football.”
“I would like to note that football in Russia has always been more than just a sport. It would be no exaggeration to say that this spectacular, exciting and captivating game has become a way of life for many generations of this country's citizens. We are rightly proud of the achievements of our national team, whose achievements include Olympic gold medals and victory at the UEFA European Football Championship. We are proud of our wonderful clubs, who have won numerous continental cups.”
“Russia will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time. I would like to stress once again that we are grateful to FIFA and all the representatives of the world football community for making this choice. As we see it, it is an acknowledgement of this country's achievements in the development of sport and football and an assessment of the new Russia in general as an open and successful country, setting itself the most ambitious goals and capable of holding such large-scale events.”
“We have been investing quite heavily at the federal level in sports and physical fitness lately. Regional spending is also on the rise. Unfortunately, the number of people engaged in athletic activities is not as large as, say, in Finland, but it’s steadily growing. We are getting close to international standards. As a matter of fact, such events as the World Cup and the Olympics promote sports in the country.”
“We currently attach to sports the closest and most serious attention: we are creating new and better conditions in which to train our athletes and teams for major world competitions at the highest, most modern level. We are updating the infrastructure, we are building stadiums and fields, we are supporting sports in schools, among students, we are doing everything we can in order for sports to become a part of life for every Russian family.”
“There are large sports forums still to come, a whole series of critical and intensive competitions. National teams are in full swing preparing for the London games. I want to wish our athletes and coaches success in the Olympic Games. I am sure that the experience of past generations and your modern approaches to training, as well as the ardent support from millions of Russian fans will help you.”
“We are proud that Russia has been part of the Olympic movement practically from the very beginning. We share and support the philosophy of the Olympic movement, the fundamental values and ideas set forth by baron de Coubertin. Talent and hard work, the spirit of friendship and solidarity, fair competition and the champion’s grace and nobility – these are values common to each nation, qualities that unite all humanity.”
“The last century has justly been lauded as an era that saw a rapid upsurge of sports, the most decisive breakthroughs and progress. This striving towards perfection, to new peaks is also expressed in the famous Olympic motto: «Faster, Higher, Stronger!» Our champions and record-breakers have contributed to the history of these gains a substantial number of brilliant, unforgettable pages. They have attained prestige for their country and built up the glory of a world-class sports nation.”
“We are now restoring the system of training world-class athletes that must defend our colours at international competitions – and from there, it trickles down. Every level should have its own area of responsibility. <…>We will encourage your municipal colleagues to create the conditions necessary for effectively addressing your challenges. In the end, the success of our national teams depends on your effective work.”
“The national school for training coaches and teachers has developed quickly and has by right received international recognition in its 115 years of existence. Moreover, our specialists are considered to be the best in the world in many sports. Therefore, it’s very important to maintain professional continuity and carry on the traditions we’ve established.”
“Athleticism should be promoted at regular secondary schools, too. As you know, the third physical education lesson is about to be introduced in the curriculum. I am confident that this is absolutely the right move. However, we should support this decision by building new sports facilities. This is the only way to achieve our goal.”
“We want to involve as many people as possible in physical fitness and sports and to promote the values of a healthy lifestyle in society.”
“Russia deserves to host this championship [World Ice Hockey Championship] just to commemorate our glorious achievements, and not just because we have not been awarded this honour in decades, but because of our great desire to stage a great event and promote the ideas of sportsmanship, athletism and fair play.”
“I believe that hosting the World Ice Hockey Championship will give Russia fresh impetus to develop infrastructure and to raise public awareness, primarily among young people, about the ideals of sport. We hope it will encourage people to take up physical fitness and help promote a healthy lifestyle.”
“We will continue developing an easily accessible and affordable infrastructure for sports and recreation, opening new stadiums, swimming pools, sports and fitness centres all across Russia. In all, we will be creating a modern national fitness system.”
“We need to train a strong competitive national team for the world cup. This laborious work should begin at the youth and junior team levels. We still have seven years to go so it will be these sportsmen who will be playing for Russia at the world cup”.
“I’m convinced that the Russian Football Union needs to actively interact with the public and football fan associations and organisations. We have given a promise to FIFA and the entire international community to hold the world cup properly, based on the principles of tolerance and benevolence. And we must deliver on this promise”.
“The FIFA World Cup is much greater than simply a sporting event. This month-long football marathon leaves a significant cultural and material heritage which will be used by the country and the people in decades to come. I’m referring to the aggressive development of the sport, transport and hotel infrastructure, the creation of new production facilities and jobs, new international and personal ties. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world will come to see a modern, dynamically developing and open Russia”.
“Physical education needs improving, and teachers should take advantage of new methods to make lessons interesting and useful. For these purposes, it is necessary to introduce new programmes and modernise schools’ sports infrastructure. A construction plan for a new school building must include a gym and a swimming pool. We also need to expand the network of fitness complexes and junior sports clubs.”
“You can take my word for it that the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be up to the highest standards. New modern stadiums and facilities will be built in time, and to perfection. We are eager to do our best to secure the comfort and safety of our guests. We also have a couple of offers. You know about it. Visa-free entry and free of charge trips between cities to watch football matches. Besides, you can get to know Russia, a unique country with a long history and rich culture. Not bad, not bad at all.”
“First of all, we need to show that Russia is an open country, that it is open to the whole world. People will understand what Russia is when they come here. There are still a lot of stereotypes left over from the past. But the more contacts we establish, the faster these stereotypes will dissipate.We can move this process forward by hosting major sporting events such as the World Students Games, the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Moreover, they will ensure that, at least in Europe, there are not any visible or invisible Berlin Walls.”
“We ask all our friends to support us in our World Cup bid. Germany is among the first of our friends. <..> But we understand that FIFA members must make this decision on the basis of many factors that come into play regarding holding the World Cup in one country or another, and proceeding from the strategic aim of developing football worldwide. I believe that the fact that Eastern Europe has never held a world championship is an important motive for deciding in Russia's favour.”
“Millions of people across Russia eagerly followed the World Cup, empathising with you and the teams. An estimated 6 million Russians play football, but the number of football fans is certainly much higher. That is why we decided to put our bid in to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In addition, hosting such an important sports event would boost sports infrastructure and football infrastructure in any country, and maybe even more so for Russia. As I understand, this is certainly in line with FIFA's philosophy with regard to organising this kind of event.”
“I hope that our Olympic athletes won't let us down, and we'll get some really good results. But sport is sport. These are open completions, and as you know anything can happen in sport: tragic defeats and glorious triumphs. In any case, we must do our best to create the best conditions for training, and then we can expect good results and victories.”
“I have already mentioned the importance of technical, scientific and medical support for the athletes. All the recent advances should be applied here, while keeping in mind that honest competition and drug use are incompatible. In Vancouver, the Russian team gave us no cause to doubt its strict adherence to this rule. Let's keep it that way going forward.”
“There is another important point I would like to make. After our unimpressive showing in Vancouver, I've heard people say that we will prepare for the Sochi Olympics, but being a top medal winner should not be a priority; a good showing is good enough. I do not share this view. One does not compete at this level to sweat; one competes to win. Millions of fans in Russia expect our team to win. In Sochi, our team must be among the leaders.”
“Russia's regions must also have a greater role in training our Olympic reserve team. Fifty regions have already adopted their own sports programmes; others must follow suit as soon as possible. It is usually grassroots sports that pave the way for serious achievements.”
“In 2009, about 200 government-funded sports facilities were opened. We need to continue to improve our sports infrastructure at all levels, from community sports fields to major stadiums. We need cutting-edge training facilities for athletes in all sports without exception. Let me repeat that - all sports without exception, including the new categories.”
“We need to revise the payment system for coaches and specialists working with our national team. We have created a fund with the help of major companies that will provide substantial funds to support our leading national athletes and specialists. We will need to keep an eye on how it works and where the money goes. Ideally, every leading athlete should be paid a substantial monthly allowance. Let me repeat that: every leading athlete. We need to make sure that this is being done. We may also create a special system for awarding government grants.”
“Additional steps need to be taken to train coaches and to choose and foster new athletes. We have developed a policy that will provide financial incentives to our athletes, but it is more important to find promising athletes in the first place. Vancouver has shown us that we don't have enough internal competition in certain sport in Russia. We don't have strong benches, and in some cases we don't have a bench at all. We need to take all the best ideas from the Soviet training system and combine them with modern international methods.”
“Systemic problems we have managing elite sports. This may be the result of the limited authority of our sports federations. I would like to hear more about this today and for you to formulate the problem precisely. Or maybe they lack a sense of responsibility? The federations' work should be transparent and more open to the public, so that they can see who is responsible for what.”
“The Sports Ministry must do more than distribute funds. And once it distributes the funds, it must actively participate in programmes to prepare and train athletes and have a vote in key issues such as appointing coaches.”
“Of course I have to mention what's on everyone's mind: the performance of our national Olympic team in Vancouver. We certainly hoped for more. However, there is no reason lose heart or beat ourselves over the head about it, and it certainly gives us something to think about. We must review our performance, draw our conclusions and perhaps change the way we do things. The goal of this review is to fix our problems and do what's necessary to help our Olympic team train for and succeed at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.”
“"At present the «Krylia Sovetov» club is in a difficult financial situation, though it is one of the oldest in Russia and has never been eliminated from the Russian Premier League since its establishment. It has many traditions and fans, so we should do something to support the club.”
“We have decided to officially submit our application to host the 2018 World Cup. We wanted to inform you about this today. A week ago, on October 9, I signed an executive order making our application official.”
"I propose taking a decision today <...> to establish an organising committee for the 2018 World Cup bid race. <...> But no matter what happens, we will continue to do what we have been doing recently, that is, building football fields and other sports facilities, and establishing sports clubs, above all for children and teenagers. We will promote football. Much has been done in this field, and so I think Russia has the right to bid for the honour to host the 2018 World Cup."
"By 2015, we plan to get 30% of the population involved in physical fitness and sports, and the relevant figure for young people should reach 60%. I've already mentioned the absolute figures."
"Today, more than 22 million people in Russia regularly participate in sports. This number increases by an average of one percent per year. The relevant figure for children and teenagers is even higher - 7.5 million, or more than a third of the total population. The figures are not insignificant, but we should not rest on our laurels. Neighbouring Finland has completely different statistics - more than 70% of its population participates in sports."
"Sports have become a way of life for 22 million Russians. We must double their number, at least. All Russian school students must be able to regularly exercise free of charge."
“I would like to say a few words about doping control. <…> I want to draw the attention of the National Olympic Committee, the concerned ministries and departments and the Russian Federation's Government to the fact that we have no right and will not shift responsibility onto athletes alone. Sports-events organisers must also comprehend their own responsibility. We must create modern and effective mechanisms at every sports agency in order to protect sports interests and those of athletes on the international scene.”
“Last decade, primarily in the early and mid-1990s, the system of sports schools for children and teenagers was discontinued. This is obvious: We have lost a lot of professional coaches and must now reinstate these programmes. Although we have made some strides in the last few years, it is not enough. We will step up these efforts despite all difficulties.”
“We are implementing a football-field construction sub-programme under the federal target sports-development programme. We are doing this in conjunction with the Russian regions. This implies construction of small football fields and large stadiums. All this is part of our plans which will not be downsized.”
"As for the Continental Hockey League, I believe that it is not just a sports project. It will make it possible to consider seriously the restoration of a single social and cultural space on post-Soviet territory, because a shared interest in hockey will unite people from former Soviet republics. Hockey was popular in the Soviet Union. If we manage to attract Central European countries to the League, some Scandinavian states, and other Europeans, it will acquire European configuration."
"We have a young and promising team. To turn promise into reality, the sports organizers - the Ministry, and the National Olympic Committee - should do everything to create the conditions for the training of athletes who are capable of winning such stunning victories and making such achievements as we have seen now in Beijing".
"Today we should review a draft programme, one of those we spoke about earlier, the programme aimed at developing football, the most popular sport in our country. <…> The programme in question should provide for a significant improvement of facilities and equipment at youth sports schools. Why don’t we have enough players to qualify for the national team? Isn’t it because there are many foreign players while we have for a long time failed to support youth sports? In the near future over 500 new football fields, seven indoor arenas, and a training centre for our junior national team will be built. Advanced training of coaches to meet UEFA qualifications has been arranged. For the above purposes, we need to allocate 19.1 billion roubles between now and 2015, with 10.6 billion to be financed out of the federal budget".
