A quarter of a million people took part in the Sports Dictation
On 5 October, the National Centre RUSSIA became the main venue of the All-Russian Sports Dictation. The event took place across the country, including the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region. Its main goal was to promote knowledge of physical education and sports, the Olympic Games, and a healthy lifestyle.
"Thank you all for joining us on Sunday for the nationwide educational event, the Sports Dictation — those who took part at the National Centre RUSSIA, in the regions, and online — everyone who devoted their personal time to it. In total, a quarter of a million people joined us. Thanks to everyone who prepared the questions — it was a tremendous expert effort, with the jury debating day and night," said the Minister of Sport and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarev.
The Minister noted that the Sports Dictation would become a regular event, and the Russian Olympic Committee had already taken it on board. The questions will become more challenging, and a competitive element between regions and participants is planned. The main goal, he said, is to test one’s knowledge and remember Russia’s great sporting history — of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and modern Russia.
"I would like to thank the Ministry of Sport and Mikhail Degtyarev personally for choosing our venue for the first Sports Dictation. It is a wonderful educational initiative that unites all regions of Russia. I grew up in the Altai region, where almost everyone skis. From my own experience, I can say that sport should always be part of everyone’s life," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
The author of the idea for the All-Russian Sports Dictation, three-time Olympic champion Maria Kiselyova, also thanked the National Centre RUSSIA for hosting the key event.
"Only nine months passed from the idea to its implementation and expansion across the whole country. I think that’s an outstanding result. The project united absolutely all regions — that’s a great joy. It shows that we’re doing something important and meaningful, and we have every reason to be proud," said Maria Kiselyova.
The dictation lasted for 45 minutes. During this time, participants were asked to answer 25 questions about the history of the Olympic Games, the rules of various sports, and the achievements of Russian athletes. For example: "In which city were the first modern Olympic Games held?" or "In which country did the sport of sambo originate?" Each question allowed 30 seconds for reflection.
"It was very interesting to immerse myself in the history not only of my sport but of others as well, and to learn something new. In my opinion, every self-respecting, educated person should know the history of the Olympic movement and understand the direction of its future development," said Olympic champion in the 800-metre race Yury Borzakovsky.
The questions were read by Honorary Member of the IOC and Honorary President of the Russian Olympic Committee Vitaly Smirnov; Russian canoeist and Olympic medallist Ivan Shtyl; Soviet ice hockey player, goalkeeper, coach, State Duma deputy, and three-time Olympic champion Vladislav Tretyak; Olympic volleyball champion Taras Khtey; President of the Russian Fencing Federation and two-time Olympic fencing champion Ilgar Mamedov; President of the Russian Wrestling Federation and Olympic champion Mikhail Mamiashvili; and President of the Russian Basketball Federation and Olympic bronze medallist Andrei Kirilenko, among others. They addressed the participants both in person from the stage of the National Centre RUSSIA and via video link from Vladivostok, Sochi, Sevastopol, and Ufa.
