Russian Olympic Committee approves 10-year development strategy

Russia’s newly formed Olympic Committee convened for the first time on Thursday, August 5.

Its first decision came from Olympic head Aleksander Zhukov, who suggested reducing the executive board.

As such, 20 people have been selected and approved to lead Russia's athletes to the 2012 and 2014 Olympic Games.

The body also passed a project called the “Strategy for the Development of the Russian Olympic Committee”, which includes changing the regulation of the group, and the long-term development of Olympic sports in Russia.

“I am very pleased that almost everyone has approved the document on the strategy of development for the next ten years. And that is for the first time in the history of the committee. It is important that all the federations, non-governmental organizations and regional members support our strategy,” Aleksander Zhukov said.

“For me, the most inspiring thing from this meeting is that there is a clear understanding that only cooperation between government and non-governmental organizations can produce success. And the only aim we have is providing excellent facilities for our athletes so that they can concentrate on their performances,” the Olympic boss added.