OREANDA-NEWS. April 28, 2009. The President called for systemic work to prepare Russia’s Olympic athletes for growing competition in the international sports arena.

Mr Medvedev said that the focus should be on two main areas in particular: developing sport for children and young people, and raising sports medicine to a new level, including resolving the issue of anti-doping control. 

The Russian Olympians Foundation is a non-profit organisation that was founded in July 2005 with the goal of developing and strengthening the Russian Olympic movement. Using funds raised through philanthropic contributions made by its founders, the Foundation makes grants to athletes, coaches and specialists training in and working with Russia’s Olympic teams, Olympic champions and prize winners, and sports veterans.

The Foundation’s development strategy is set by its Board of Trustees, which is headed by Mr Medvedev.

The Foundation currently supports Russian athletes in 27 summer Olympic sports and 14 of the 15 winter Olympic sports.