Holidays of Azerbaijan - Day of Physical Culture and Sports

March 5 is not an ordinary day in Azerbaijan, because on this day, under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, a holiday is held - the Day of Physical Education and Sports. Everyone can participate in the festive events: amateur athletes, their professional coaches, as well as everyone. The holiday appeared on March 4, 2005 after the signing of a corresponding decree by current President Ilham Aliyev. Why was this day chosen for Physical Education and Sports Day? Because in 1955, precisely on March 5, party leader Heydar Aliyev approved the Sports Fund. This decision had important social and political significance, since thanks to this, professional sports began to actively develop in Azerbaijan. Promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people, involving the population in sports at the amateur level - this is the task of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and, as practice has shown, this holiday corresponds to the task. Every year, amateur athletes move to a new professional level in order to participate, win and raise the status of the country on the international stage. Professional sports in Azerbaijan are experiencing an active rise, as evidenced by the medals brought by participants in the Olympic Games. Azerbaijanis are a sports nation; football and chess are among the main favorite sports. Therefore, traditionally on this day amateur matches among non-professional football players, as well as chess tournaments, take place. However, these are not the only events; on March 5, it has already become a tradition to hold children’s and youth sports Olympiads between schools. In addition, on this day the Ministry of Sports and Youth issues certificates of honor to those who have contributed to physical development and also achieved professional success in certain sports.