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This report on sports and physical education in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) is based on visits made to that country, as well as personal interviews. Sports and physical education held a minor place in Russian society prior to 1917, but with the onset of communism, the fundamental credo became that sports and physical education were for the masses and not solely for the elite. Since 1917, sports and physical education have had a powerful organizational nucleus with the rights and priveleges of a ministry in the Soviet government. Although sports organizations or committees under the control of the Community party have changed names, they have basically remained the same as far as goals, administration, and organization. The functions of these committees are stated as being to (a) perfect the scientific system of bringing sports within the reach of the whole population, (b) build and operate sports facilities, (c) train coaches and instructors, (d) manufacture sports goods and equipment, (e) stage country-wide competitions, and (f) maintain international contacts and cooperate with other state agencies as well as the trade unions and Young Communist League organizations. The promotion and administration of sports is to be carried out by the party, government, trade unions, Young Communist League, and sports organizations. (Author/PB)