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SPORT IN RUSSIA.

INCREASING INTEREST IN ATHLETICS.

(FROM 00l OWN' COItRESPONDEtfT.) LONDON, April 29. ' Tho appointment of Major-General Voyeikov, A.D.C., as Chief Superintendent of Physical Culture in the Russian Empire, leads a Russian correspondent of "Tho Times" to point out the very noticeablo movement in that country at the present time In favour of sport in all its forms as a healthful influence upon tho rising generation and a promoter of Bound national growth. "It is worth while noting,'-' he writes, "as a sign of the indifference with which sport was viewed in Russia that tbe statutes ot sporting and athletic clubs and associations wore never sanctioned except after endless difficulties and delays. Leagues and associations were regarded even with suspicion. Thus the league of Russian skating clubs could not be founded, although the. articles of association were signed by persons of wide repute and presented three times to the proper authorities. Not until 11109 did sport and physical culture begin to enjoy the favour of the authorities", and in taat year tho Russo-Swedish exhibition ot sport showed how much Russia was behind in puysical culture. "TnaiiKs to the efforts of Russian sport-men an Olympic oommitteo was loinied in 1911, including representatives from all local spoiling associations. It may appear to be almost incredible, yet it was the tact that tins committee, including, as it did, high official personages, had tho greatest ddlku.ty in obtaining legal sanction for its statutes, and the victory was due in a large measure to the Grand Duke Niciioias Nichoiaievitch, tvho took the committee under his high patronage. About 300 military and civilian competitors proceeded to Stockholm under the aegis of Major-General V. W. 'Voyeikov, A.D.C., who had/ been specially deputed by the Emperor. His Majesty paid all tho expenses of the voynge. "Tlie experiences of tiie Russian competitors in Stockholm went far to strengthen the conviction that this country did not occupy tho place it should among the nations. For in spite of the large number of Russians who took part in the games, . prizes were taken in only three of the contests (revolver shooting, wrestling, and clay piireon shooting). Public opinion in Rusya was highly disappointed, and tho Press was loud in its demands that something should be done. MajorGeneral Voyeikov made a personal report to tho Emperor upon the Olympic Games, and t,he posmon of -physical culture in Russia and other countries. As a result of this report ho was appointed Superintendent of Physical Culture in tho Russian Empire. This was on December ttk, 1912, which may well be regarded as a memorable date in the annals of Russian sport. "Another memorable event in tho chronicles of Russiau sport was the Emperor's decision to summon a consultative board to assist Major-General Voyeikov iv his work. This beard was formed of representatives of tho Departments of State which have any connexion with education (in Russia this includes practically all the Ministries, and of all athletic and sporting association's). The Board has already rendered great service in laying down tho basis of future work. Briefly stated, it has been decided to found patronages of physical culture in all the towns and larger settlements of the Emoire, to encourage and persuade sports in the, middle and high schools, I and to fouud rifle clubs for boys and i adults. It remains to be seen if tho i movement will extend to the villages; that will bo the real vest of its etiiciencv. _ . "Lawn tennis was star it a twenty years ago, and since then has made enormous progress. Tho All-Russia Lawn Tennis Association, founded in June, 190S, now combines over 60 clubs." _ , Football was first played by the younger members of the British community in St. Petersburg in ISSO, and tho ill-Russia Football Association was founded in 1912, with Mr Arthur Macpherson as chairman. It then included eighteen football clubs. In November last this number had grown to 150 A gate of 10,000 was recorded at Prekhovo Zeovo near Moscow, last autumn Championship matches were first nla'ved in 191.2, when St. Petersburg "was victorious; last year Odessa won. The rapidity with which football has been taken up throughout the country augurs well for the future quality of the players. Rowing is also growing in popularity.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19140606.2.8

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Press, Volume L, Issue 14987, 6 June 1914, Page 3

Word count
Tapeke kupu
710

SPORT IN RUSSIA. Press, Volume L, Issue 14987, 6 June 1914, Page 3

SPORT IN RUSSIA. Press, Volume L, Issue 14987, 6 June 1914, Page 3

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