The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1930-04-10
By SOL FISHER.

WE were on our regular visit to the Red Sports
" International headquarters when Comrade
Fuerst the German representative, who
entrusted to acquaint with the athletic or
CARNATIONS of Moscow, proposed that visit
the Moscow Institute of Physical Culture.
1t is clear cold day. We stroll on the white
snow-covered streets. The snow glitters and
cracks under our feet. Burke, to be original
is bearheaded; |, to show that | am an athlete
walk without an overcoat and hat. We attract
much attention of the passersby. A few Rus
slams appeal to us to put our caps on, warning
us that we may catch cold.
Splendid Equipment.
We finally reach the Institute. There are
several large buildings all situated in a cul-
tivated park. The head instructor greets us
in the name of the faculty and escorts us to
the directors office The director who cannot
be distinguished from an ordinary worker
welcomes the American sports delegation most
comradely. He acquaints with the work and
the aims of the institute. There are 800 stu
dents from many parts of the country; 80
per cent are women. They are sent by various
organizations, mostly frade unions. They are
maintained by their organizations and the gov
eminent. The students must not be younger
than Is nor older than 81 years. The compost
tion--60 per cent workers and peasants, the
rest employees. The director is not satisfied
with the composition and assures us that the
next year there will be So per cent workers
and peasants. At the end of the four-year
course the students become well trained physi-
cal directors, have high academic and politi-
cal education and capable of teaching and
leading any school of physical education.
Upon graduation they return to their organ
izations where they conduct the athletic ac-
tvities. 1--WE aim to teach every modern sport
which is suitable for the workers. We ex-
pertinent on new sport before we adopt it. We
do mot teach athletic exercises harmful to
health. Grace is fine but our object is health
and strength" the director concluded After
an exchange of questions, the director request
ed the head instructor to escort US to the class
eS.
We pass long corridors. Young men and
women with various physiognomies and dress.
Russians, Mongoians, Dartars, etc. walk back
and forth. They talk, laugh-are full of life
The men wear short trunks, the women sleeve
less blouses and trunks They are all fine
specimens Of health.
The Classes and Gymnasium. III
We enter the anatomy class. A large, light
room; there arc about 80 students With seri.
GUS faces they all listen ntently to the
lecturer. We are introduced and are greeted
with great enthusiasm and applause. AS we
do not want to disturb their study, we promise
to see them again and silently leave the ROOM
The same we experienced in the many other
theoretical classes
The main gymnasium is spacious hall with
the most modern apparatus. One group prac
ticng on the parallel bars, one>on the horizon
tai; there is class in plastic dancing; a group
on the horse and others do high and broad
jumping; class is practicing calsthenics;
groups playing basket ball, volley ball, etc.
Each class is under constant guidance of a
capable instructor. There are other athletic
rooms for fencing. boxing, wrestling. etc. In
the park where there 10 fine skating rink
and skiing station, skating, hockey and ski
ing are practiced. There il beautiful lake for
water sports and large athletic field
We were amazed at the discipline and the
cooperation Of the students and the teachers.
The Executive Board is composed of students,
teachers and representatives of the High Coun.
Gil of Physical Culture.
We went to the living quarters of the stu