The author presents perceptions of the world of sport and physical education gained during a study-tour of the Soviet Union in 1977. This broad overview of individual and governmental involvement in physical activities includes the following--a survey of physical education and public participation in sport in tsarist Russia, governmental policy immediately following the October Revolution, physical education requirements and general goals in the school system, the "pioneer club" facilities for youth, sport societies for workers, professional preparation for teachers and sport specialists, research efforts at the Central Institute of Physical Culture of the Order of Lenin (including a curriculum profile), and other research laboratories for physical culture and sport. (MJB)