Over the last few years the budget allocations to sport have almost doubled. In 2004, in comparison with the budget this year, 37% more funds will be allocated to sporting events and training sport teams.
President Vladimir Putin also supported the idea of reviving school sports days, and called this the beginning of the revival of the mass sporting movement.
At the first stage of these competitions, 5 million boys and girls will take part. The final competitions between the strongest young athletes will be held in three regions – Kazan, Saratov and Voronezh.