Degtyarev took part in the opening of the athletics relay race in the Ulyanovsk region

Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of Russia and head of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), paid a working visit to the Ulyanovsk Region on April 26 and took part in the opening of the traditional 81st Track and field relay race on Sobornaya Square.

He called such relay races a solid foundation for mass sports and clarified that Russian President Vladimir Putin pays great attention to the development of physical education in the country. Degtyarev also met with the governor of the region, Alexei Russian, they held a ceremony of awarding certificates for the title of "Master of Sports of Russia" and departmental awards, and also congratulated the best athletes and expressed gratitude to their mentors.

The head of the Ministry of Sports stressed that over the past 20 years thousands of sports facilities have been built and repaired and major competitions have been held. According to him, it is planned to make an even greater contribution to the sports field in the future. He urged to thank the Russian leader for the relevant contribution.

At a personal meeting, Degtyarev and Russians discussed the development of sports infrastructure in the Ulyanovsk region. The Minister of Sports called the region sporty and clarified that everything starts with the governor, who loves sports and pays attention to it.

"This year, we have already allocated funds under the state program "Sport of Russia" for the construction of five large outdoor TRP sites. Next year, six more, and in 2027, four more. Plus, we have agreed to build two modular FOCs in the districts of the Ulyanovsk region. The regional government will determine the location. And two big projects have been announced: the Vladislav Tretyak Ice Arena, our great friend, the president of the Russian Hockey Federation, and a legendary hockey player. We will definitely support it," the minister said after the meeting.

He clarified that the second project is the construction of an Adaptive Sports Center. According to him, the facility is necessary to involve wounded veterans of the special military operation (SVO) in sports rehabilitation. The Minister of Sports stressed that this task was set by the President of the Russian Federation.

On April 25, during his working visit, Degtyarev took part in the closing ceremony of the All—Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition "Volga Spring" at the Tatiana Arena Center and presented awards to the winners. He expressed gratitude to Putin for the decision to build the palace and noted that he was glad to attend the event, calling the tournament very representative, where athletes from 15 regions of the country came.

At the same time, Degtyarev visited the Volga-Sport Arena Sports Palace, welcoming the participants of the Russian Bodybuilding Cup and noting the importance of mass sports.

"The other day in Moscow, I met with Rafael Santoja, president of the International Bodybuilding Federation, he told us about the tournament in Ulyanovsk, and we included it in the program of the trip. In Russia, 35% of all those who play sports do so in order to have an athletic figure, look good and be an example to others. It's worth a lot, and I wish you success in developing your sport," the Sports minister added.

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On April 14, Putin instructed Degtyarev to continue supporting sports federations, as well as to provide assistance to the Ministry of Sports and the ROC. In particular, the head of state demanded to reduce the financial burden on families for playing sports.