The USSR was a great sports power. The Soviet government strongly contributed to the development of sports in the country. Sports covered all segments of the population of a large country. From school children and college students to retirees. Officially, the Soviet Union was not professional athletes. Но практически все знаменитые советские спортсмены были на полном государственном обеспечении и занимались только совершенствованием своих спортивных навыков.

The most famous Soviet sports societies were attached to certain ministries and departments, as well as trade unions. For example, "Dinamo" - to the Interior Ministry, "CSKA" - the armed forces, "Spartak" - to the food industry and so on.