A vital goal in Russia is to improve the quality of life and health of local people through sport and physical activity.

Strategy 2030 and Sport is the Norm of Life

In November 2020, a Russian Government meeting approved its strategy for the development of physical culture and sport until 2030.

"Strategy 2030" will work to preserve the health and well-being of Russian people while creating a "culture of sports life".

The strategy encompasses the federal project "Sport is the Norm of Life" which was launched in January 2019.

This has the ambitious goal of increasing the number of people in Russia who regularly take part in physical exercise by 70 per cent by 2030.

The number of people in Russia who take part in sport is growing every year - and currently stands at more than 40 per cent of the population.

It is hoped that this number will have grown to 55 per cent by 2024, before reaching the 70 per cent target six years later.

"This is a fairly ambitious but achievable figure," said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

"The strategy focuses on achieving national goals.

"One of them is a healthy lifestyle and the life expectancy of the population.

"The quality of life and health of people is the effect that we expect from the implementation of our strategy."

A big part of Sport is the Norm of Life is the promotion and development of mass sporting events.

Mass events held so far include "Ski Track of Russia", "Orange Ball", "Cross of the Nation", "Decade of Sports and Health" and "Sportman's Day".

Ski Track of Russia brings together thousands of professional and amateur cross-country skiers while Orange Ball is a basketball competition which takes place across the country. Cross of the Nation is a running event while Sportsman’s Day is held annually and encourages everyone to engage with physical activity.

Another key area being worked on is improving conditions and facilities for sport - whether these be high quality arenas capable of hosting top-class international competitions or simple courtyards containing sporting and exercise equipment.

This includes improving the facilities used by Russia's national teams and athletes. Sports schools and colleges have also received equipment to meet the rapidly changing requirements of different disciplines.

"There should be comfortable conditions for all people, who should do sport with pleasure," said Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin.

"This requires appropriate infrastructure near the places of residence, work and study of people both in cities and in rural areas."

A statement explaining Sport is the Norm of Life says: "Happy and healthy people are the foundation for the prosperity of any country.

"And a simple and accessible way for everyone to a bright, eventful and fulfilling life is physical activity, opportunities for which are created by the project.

"Go in for sports and join our movement!"

Back to top

Sports Heritage – A Healthy Country!

In July 2021 a new project called "Sports Heritage - A Healthy Country!" began to be implemented.

The project is one of the winners of a grant competition launched by the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation.

It was created by the All-Russian Trade Union of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism Workers and covers 43 different regions.

In the first stage of the project, each region must hold a sporting event where at least 50 people must take part, including their family members.

Once this happens, the Trade Union will donate sports equipment for free to the regional organisers, as well as diplomas and other souvenirs.

The second stage of the project will be online competitions, where adults and their children will be able to take part.

Points will be awarded after various exercises and three winners from each region will receive prizes.

The five "most active" winners will be rewarded with "super prizes".

Back to top

Breakthrough to Health

The Breakthrough to Health initiative sees instructors carry out free training in 43 regions of Russia.

One hundred training videos will be published with exercises divided by skill level into beginner, amateur and advanced categories.

The exercises can be undertaken outdoors or even in the office as a warm-up before the start of the working day.

It is hoped that people taking part will gain knowledge about training and a healthy lifestyle, and form a habit of exercising regularly.

Back to top

World Health Day

Between April 7 and 10, and to coincide with World Health Day, a call to action named "Be Healthy!" was held in Russia.

Organised by medical volunteers and supported by Russia's Sports Ministry, the event included flash mobs, exercises, challenges, masterclasses and interactive sessions.

Friendly matches were held in football, volleyball and basketball with the initiative having the goal of convincing Russians that it is not as difficult as it seems to acquire healthy habits.

The biggest event of the action was Be Healthy! festivals which were held at five sites. 

Stations focused on areas such as physical activity, healthy eating, daily routine, mental health and the rejection of bad habits.

Back to top

Nordic Walking

The Nordic Walking – A New Way of Life Project has been implemented in Russia with support from the Sports Ministry.

It has been held in more than 43 regions for the second year in a row with the idea for the project coming from world figure skating champion Irina Slutskaya.

Introductory lessons for Nordic walking beginners are part of the project and regional competitions will be held.

Nordic walking can contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle and more than 2,000 people took part in the project in 2020.

In 2021, the number of applicants rose to 10,000.

Back to top

Yoga Festival

In June 2021 a yoga festival was held in Kazan, after winning a support grant from the Russian Sports Ministry.

Those in attendance took part in general yoga exercises, classical and gong meditation and art therapy.

A separate programme was prepared for children, with classes conducted by leading trainers from both Kazan and Moscow. 

Back to top

Sport in the Village

Sport in the Village is a project aimed at establishing sports clubs and facilities in Russia's rural areas.

The scheme received a grant from the Russian Sports Ministry and has the aim of ensuring that healthy lifestyles are practiced not just in the most populated places.

Those involved can take part in advanced training courses for free, and will be provided with free sporting equipment.