I report. Participated in the forum “Russia – a sports powerhouse” in the wonderful city of Kemerovo.
It is apparently the main sports conference of our country, the list of participants is impressive. Russian presidential aide Igor Levitin, who read Vladimir Putin’s welcome speech. President of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov. Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin. Governor of the Kemerovo region Sergey Tsivilev. Ministers of sports of the republics, territories and regions, leaders of sports federations, editors of the main sports media…
I specifically list in such detail those who were present and spoke in Kemerovo – to make it clear: these are really the main figures of Russian sport, no matter how you look at it.
It’s time to come together and discuss how we should live. Clearly, our sport is going through a period of forced change. In many areas. Sport is the continuation of politics by other means. Unlike many of my colleagues in the store, I always thought and spoke out loud.
For 80-90 years, at least, the sport of great exploits has existed to “show how ours are better than all the others”. The flag, the anthem – most people see these symbols of the country exactly when the athletes win and step onto the podium. It works the same or very similar way in all countries, regardless of local form of democracy – the Americans at NBC are not fooled by flooding the IOC with billions of dollars for TV rights. All so that Americans (Germans, Chinese and yes, us too) see their boyfriend or girlfriend take the gold on the air. Don’t forget that it’s also very cost effective – advertising during breaks from major sporting events is the most expensive.
It must be honestly said that those in the West who came up with the idea of removing Russian athletes from competitions are far from fools and know what they are doing. They have two goals: first, to ensure that there is as little positive as possible about Russia and Russians in their own media. In all senses, in all contexts. They have decided that we are enemies and they want their own population to believe it. And about the enemies you can either hurt or nothing. And that includes sports. At the same time, we Russian athletes cannot do anything. It doesn’t matter how many Norwegian fans write to me “we are waiting for you back on the ski slope”. Don’t write to me – write to your politicians, they decided everything for the athletes!
But there is a second reason why they want to “cancel” all Russian sports. So that the Russians themselves have as few grounds for pride and positive emotions as possible. As you understand, I do not agree with this at all, and together with much more experienced athletes, officials, businessmen, I am looking for an answer to the question: “That in exchange for victories in Olympic Games?”
Of course, I don’t have ready-made solutions, but I do have ideas.
One is that we national team athletes should spend more time with young skiers. Open training sessions, seminars on specific subjects… it must not be spontaneous and not at the last moment. Last week in Kemerovo, I had to refuse such an invitation (which I sincerely regret!) – it appeared when all the plans for the trip had already been made. If I had accepted in advance, I would definitely come!
I think sponsors, makers or sellers of some sports-related services could “fit in” with this. After all, their business also needs teenagers to choose sports, not beer over classes.
… I walked around the forum, where there were, among other things, the stands of various organizations and companies that wanted to make themselves known. There were a lot of interesting things from the manufacturers of sports equipment – I also thought: “Why should I go to the gym in the evening – I could do strength training directly at the exhibition!” Besides, why not? I don’t know if it would be interesting to see my classes or not, but why not give it a try? Next time, write-call, we’ll agree!
I can tell you what I didn’t see. Not a single stand, no advertising, even a mention of where ski enthusiasts come.
Honestly, I don’t understand what the problem is. Look, we have millions of skiers. The wealthiest of them and/or the most motorized can ride every year in search of the best trails and rolling snow.
Why are all the villages in the Alps doing everything possible to attract skiers? Often exaggerating, embellishing – the main thing is to attract people to you. Why don’t our ski resorts try the same? I know a few places in our country where they do just that – they advertise themselves, they promote themselves. But still a couple, no more. And the others will survive solely at the expense of the state?
Maybe the main sports forum in Russia is not the right place? But it is precisely at such events that people come to network and promote their “best tracks all over Europe and Asia”.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
