Discussion of the nationally important issue "Plan for the Future of Sport: How to Bring Medals and Get Children Moving"
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session.
Date: 2025-02-20 12:06
Total Speeches: 134
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 3h 27m
AI Summaries: 134/134 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Strategies for the future of Estonian sport were presented, with a focus on increasing children's physical activity habits and boosting medal wins. During the agenda, there were speeches from four speakers: Estonian Olympic Committee President Kersti Kaljulaid, Member of the Estonian 200 faction Tanel Tein, Research Lead at the Development Monitoring Centre Uku Varblane, and Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas. Each speaker was required to prepare a 15-minute presentation, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session. After the presentations, negotiations began involving representatives of the factions, centering on the crucially important national issue of developing the future of sport – how to bring home medals and get children moving. Discussions raised issues of financing, opportunities for attracting private capital, and the state’s role in developing sporting infrastructure and the trainers' salary system. The potential for applying gambling tax for sport funding and the use of state leverage to involve the private sector also became leading themes. Finally, listeners were encouraged to actively engage with a vibrant sporting life – to present ideas concerning the growing role of sport, the connections between health and the economy, and private funding, and to strengthen cooperation between the state and the private sector.
Decisions Made 1
The session was extended until 2:00 PM. In addition, it was decided that the discussion will take place by representatives of the parliamentary groups, and speakers will address according to agreements between the groups. It is anticipated that all members of the Riigikogu will be heard during the negotiations and room will be given for the representatives of the parliamentary groups to express their opinions.
Most Active Speaker
Tanel Tein (Estonia 200 faction) — representing a centrist position; generally an active and leading representative on the agenda, presented key ideas regarding the future and funding of sports, and is noticeably present in speaking and answering questions.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Riigikogu today begins a debate on the national question “Future plan for sport: how to bring medals and get children moving,” with the order of presentations Kersti Kaljulaid, Tanel Tein, Uku Varblane and Kristina Kallas, each presentation lasting 15 minutes and 20 minutes allocated for questions, and after that all Riigikogu members can participate in the negotiations.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
Kersti Kaljulaid emphasized that sport must become a national priority, because physical activity boosts Estonia's health and economy, and this requires investments in coaches' working conditions and sport infrastructure, cooperation with local governments and the private sector, and a joint effort with the support of ministries and research institutions, so that physical activity would increase and sport would yield wider benefits for society as a whole.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller asks whether additional time is desired.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
He thanks you for your attention and invites everyone to one of the best sports museums in Europe located in Tartu, but there won't be room there during the school holidays.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Thank you for the presentation — it was very thorough, but sports fans have questions, and we would like Tanel Kiik to provide answers.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks the presenter what would be the first steps by the Riigikogu to promote the mobility of the Estonian people from the perspective of safeguarding public health.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
They emphasize that the most important thing is to increase government funding and raise coaches' salaries, but at first private funding could be used, and in the future state resources should be found to move youth sport into the elite sport, while at the same time emphasizing the effectiveness of the sports law and the reduction of bureaucracy, and a unified data submission system for sports clubs to receive core funding, in order to avoid social division and the masquerading of sports clubs as sports schools, and attention must be paid to data protection issues.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman invites Urmas Kruuse to speak.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kruuse emphasized the importance of developing a support mechanism for coaches, but highlighted an unequal funding system in local governments, where the maximum support for youth elite sport depends on membership in the Olympic Committee, which is not accessible to everyone.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
Kersti Kaljulaid promised to expand Team Estonia's involvement and to create a data-based analysis of youth sport, similar to Norway's Olympiatoppen, so that decisions on elite sport subsidies would be based on data, and municipalities would continue to support youth sport until the system is developed.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Arvo Aller asks Urve Tiidus to speak.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus asks the president of the Olympic Committee what three steps would help improve public health through sport, and whether families and schools are involved in implementing this goal, not only in developing infrastructure.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
Kersti Kaljulaid noted that Estonia has a lot of sporting equipment that needs repair and maintenance, and to promote movement one must increase support — funding for community coaches, movement education in kindergartens, expanding movement among older people, and five movement lessons per week in schools — and create a broad-based preventive health care system, where the state can offer incentives and tax changes so that within five years two-thirds of adults are physically active, not only less than ten percent.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
That was a short request to invite Jüri Jaanson onto the stage.
Jüri Jaanson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Jüri Jaanson said that the national emergency is the birth rate, stressed the importance of physical activity and sport, and that children's physical activity must start with families, but at the same time asked whether getting around in Estonia is safe, pointing to the hazards of traffic and waterways.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
Kersti Kaljulaid stressed that the Estonian Olympic Committee has drafted a strategy to improve safety and increase people’s physical activity, the aim of which is to involve county sport federations, affiliate federations and local governments to activate youth, with the Ministry of Culture's changes making children's sports more diverse, and to give coaches the opportunity to take a class in another field, although this is not their main job, but they are ready to assist in cooperation projects.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller turns to Igor Taro and asks him.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Igor Taro notes that Southeast Estonia offers a good living environment, and even small rural schools can provide good basic education, but the lack of extracurricular activities and sports opportunities creates inequality with larger cities, and he asks whether it is possible to overcome this inequality.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
Summary: the broader availability of sporting opportunities should be achieved through the bringing of sports activities and coaches to schools, which the Estonian Olympic Committee has piloted in schools across counties under the programme "Sport kooli", and the impact assessment will decide whether and how to expand it at the national level and at the level of the Ministry of Education.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks Helmen Kütt to take the floor.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt emphasizes that the top priority is to get children moving and to develop both mental and physical abilities, and children with special needs must not be exempt from movement or gymnastics sessions, but one must consider the first steps—whether coach training or something else—and ensure that everyone can participate.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
The main message of the presentation is that sport is an untapped opportunity for public health, and every child should be able to move. The Paralympic Committee is doing good work, and in cooperation with the state a place must be created from which a child with mobility impairment could apply for a suitable assistive device for school and sport needs.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Margit Sutrop expressed agreement with many concerns and posed questions about the universities' role in sport— including the impact of the University of Tartu Movement Laboratory program 'Liikuma kutsuv kool' on schools' physical activity habits, cooperation, and the broader role in sports science, coach education, support for elite athletes, and teaching and raising awareness of sports ethics.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller invites Margit Sutrop to take the floor.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
Kersti Kaljulaid emphasized that the cooperation between Estonia's sport and science must move to the grassroots level, that data-driven assessment of young talents and the involvement of sports ethics and Pedagogicum should take place, and that athletes would be offered flexible university access and everyone would have the opportunity to obtain an EKR level 5 qualification.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked for the presentation and for answering the questions, and announced that the time for questions is over.
Eesti Olümpiakomitee president Kersti Kaljulaid
AI Summary
Kersti Kaljulaid thanks everyone once again, and the audience responds with applause.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The next speaker is Tanel Tein, a member of the Eesti 200 faction.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Speaking about the future of Estonian sport, Tanel Tein emphasizes that sport must become a matter of national importance and should focus on improving children's physical activity, developing physical education in schools, as well as involving the private sector and innovative funding methods, so that in the future Estonia would have a healthier and more visible sports culture.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
We would like to thank the presenter for the presentation; the audience is invited to ask questions, and Marek Reinaas is asked to come.
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Marek Reinaas says that if whining were a sport, Estonia would probably win medals, emphasizes the role of early sport, and asks Tanel for very concrete proposals on how to increase children's participation in both sport and leisure activities.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They emphasize that, to promote children's sports education, it is necessary to educate parents, to use the cooperation between schools and sports clubs to create parallel groups, and to ensure funding from both the state and the private sector, so that sport becomes accessible to everyone and does not become merely competitive sport.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks Urmas Kruuse to take the floor.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse said that physical activity at school should be daily, but it is cancelled out by arriving at school by car and by restricting movement to 40 minutes; the solution is as simple as in mathematics – a home-based effort that does not require much money, because the aims of health and the Defence Forces differ.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They emphasized that one should start at home by developing study habits and physical activity habits, and focus on a ten-year period so that children can cope independently and the state would save in the future, similar to schools and the military, and pull-ups are beneficial, especially for the lower back.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller invites Toomas Uibo to speak.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Uibo emphasized that sport and the economy go hand in hand, asked for a more precise background on how increasing children's physical activity could positively affect the economy, and, at the same time, discussed the priority sports for a small country.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They pointed out that a working group created in cooperation with the Reform Party is seeking the potential of private-sector–inclusive financing for children's mobility, and shows that increasing the number of people working at a later age would bring significant economic benefits to the state, for example 7 million in additional tax revenue per year, which would help a small country focus on broader and more accessible financing for everyone.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Arvo Aller invites Igor Taro to speak.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
The speech discusses the potential of hobby education and hobby activities to save the world, and contemplates how to do this evenly across Southeast Estonia, in Põlva, Võru, Räpina, Valga, and other rural areas.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The state should invest in extracurricular education and leisure activities, because they are very effective preventive measures for the future, and studies show that for every euro invested you get back 1.7 euros, and the impact on disease prevention is 46-fold.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller said that he cannot specify and must not answer.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tein said that involving private funding would add value to rural areas and would enable offering a variety of sports depending on the interests of local companies, but it should be taken into account that larger cities may gain advantages on this path.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Alleri said that the question can indeed be clarified, but when the next question was being posed, Ando Kiviberg asked.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ando Kiviberg thanks the chairs and speakers, notes that Olympic winners tend to come mostly from rural areas due to fewer temptations and more intensive training, and finally asks what exactly he meant when he said that the development of sport should be shielded from political headwinds.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The sports issue is not easy for politicians; Eesti 200 wants to create a long-term system for mobilizing private funding that would leave the future of sports clubs in their own hands and reduce the impact of political headwinds.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation was practical and the ideas good, but a question arises whether the two coalition partners and the private sector are willing to come along with it and whether the state has the money for it, referring to previous cuts and to Kristina Kallas's comment about the reduction of the value-added tax on food.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The state cannot cover everything on its own, therefore there is a plan to ask Estonian companies to contribute two-thirds and to rely on the data, since the private sector is ready to invest 40% more; together with partners from two working groups we will reach a positive decision that requires a political decision, and the opposition is on board.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller invites Kalev Stoicescu to speak.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu thanks the chair and Taneli for an interesting, commendable discussion, hopes to give the sector a positive boost through this, and emphasizes that as a country we must jointly define the social contract and the sporting needs, asking for clarification on this.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Tein emphasizes that society must find a social consensus on why sport is necessary from the perspective of national defense and health care, and why its values must be proven with numbers so that there is more support for sport.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller thanked the presenter and the questioners and announced that the time for questions and answers was over, and directed attention to the next presenter, Uku Varblane.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
According to Uku Varblase, Estonia's private funding potential for sport is large, but to realize it there is a need to cultivate a culture of donations, to obtain government backing, and to use the additional revenue from online gambling tax for sport and culture, which brings economic and social benefits and strengthens the well-being of communities.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
He thanks the audience for the substantive presentation, notes that questions are welcome, and invites Urmas Kruuse to speak.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse posed two questions based on the slides: whether entrepreneurs' donations are driven mainly by a sense of mission, and whether forgoing tax incentives yields the expected benefit, or whether the state has given up one billion so that companies can instead put in two billion more.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
Uku Varblane said that, according to the survey, what motivates companies to donate is a sense of mission and support for the preservation of sport and culture in Estonia; although sponsorship often has a strong commercial objective, these two may become more closely intertwined in the future, and although a billion-dollar potential is theoretical, we have the ambition and the means to grow donations.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller invites Jüri Jaanson to speak.
Jüri Jaanson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He noted that gambling tax revenue is optimistic and could fund sports facilities in the future, and he asked whether involving private funding could solve the problem of young people dropping out of sport after the age of 13.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
Uku Varblane notes that the development of a privately funded incentive package may bring more trainers into the sports sector, raise awareness, and help young people stay in sport during difficult times.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller invited Igor Taro to speak.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Southeast Estonian companies are investing in sport through large-scale sponsorships and tend to favour successful teams, which raises the question of which factors would help balance the support and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
A closer linkage between local entrepreneurship and the community, and the implementation of a government-backed incentive scheme, could channel more money to local communities, including sports associations and athletes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller turns to Vadim Belobrovtsev with a request.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presenter said that the private sector has reduced sponsorship in recent years mainly for economic reasons, and while economic growth could encourage companies to support sport more, he asked what other factors could further stimulate the private sector to invest more in sport, and that government action does not make the situation better.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
It highlights two main motivators: companies want their support and sponsorship to be remembered, and they want to see a clear impact and be able to express that impact clearly.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks Tanel Teinil to come on stage.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I referred to Urmas Kruuse's question about the perspective and potential of supporting sport, and noted that it is unlikely that companies will start dedicating 10% of their profits to supporting sport, and asked to clarify how large the current support from entrepreneurs is and what numbers would come together in this development-monitoring model, emphasizing that today there are about 0.5% supporters and the calculator assumed a 3% share.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
Uku Varblane said that according to the current estimate, about 0.5% of companies donate to the sports sector more actively, but under a state-leverage scenario this share could increase from 3% and reach up to about 6%, the results of which are based on survey data and can be explored with different assumptions and scenarios.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks Vadim Belobrovtsev to come and perform.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They asked, in light of Taneli's plan, how many entrepreneurs are willing to support sports more, if the state or local government is willing to invest more in it.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
According to a study by the Development Monitoring Center, 37% of companies that have already supported sports are ready to increase the amount of their donations, 39% of those who had not supported sports before would consider supporting sports, and 1% would like to start immediately, but the sample may be limited and the potential is large.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
At the start of the speech, Jüri Jaanson was asked to come onstage.
Jüri Jaanson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They ask whether the growth of corporate awareness and a culture of giving would bring about an increase in donations, mainly to sport, or whether these donations would expand into other sectors, and whether the role of sport would increase at all.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
Uku Varblane said that health-related non-profit organizations and foundations attract the most donations, and although there is no concrete data, it can be assumed that the rising level of donations will increase funding across all sectors proportionally, which is illustrated by Nordic comparisons.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Arvo Aller presented a brief plea: “Tanel Tein, please!”
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They ask whether the data collected on the share of money directed to Estonia's sports sector and their collection methods are comparable with those of other countries, and whether Estonia really sits near the top.
Arenguseire Keskuse uuringute juht Uku Varblane
AI Summary
Eurostat collects data and aims to ensure methodological consistency, but the different data-collection and infrastructure-management practices across countries make comparisons in practice not entirely precise.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanked and informed that there are no more questions, and directed the next speaker to the Minister of Education and Science Kristina Kallas.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Education and Science Minister Kristina Kallas said that Estonia must increase children's physical activity, expand hobby groups and the coaching qualification for movement recreation, and add sports and cultural education, in order to bring major events to the country and to boost health, national pride and the economy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, thanks the minister, states that there are a total of 20 minutes for questions and answers, and the first to ask a question is colleague Igor Taro.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Igor Taro asks whether the claim that extracurricular education will save the world is sufficient, and stresses that, to save rural areas as well, the other half must be done, and asks how this could actually become a reality in practice.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Extracurricular education won't save the world by itself, but it plays an important role in the development of Estonian children, in shaping self-confidence and mental health, and in developing skills, and although funding is significant, opportunities for physical activity and sports should be increased even further, especially in rural areas.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar asks Urmas Kruuse to take the floor.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse discusses interschool competitions and asks whether participation by class and winning the class with the most participants or summing the results could motivate children to exercise more.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas cites an example from Norway, where until the age of 13 no competitions are held and participation and personal development are emphasized, and she discusses whether Estonia should take this principle as a model and expand talent discovery or continue the current competitive system.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Jüri Jaanson onto the stage.
Jüri Jaanson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Jüri Jaanson pointed out that the main question is how to get children moving, why after the age of 13 a large portion of children involved in sports drop out, and asked whether the education system should develop this solution internally or focus on extracurricular education outside of schooling.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas emphasizes that in early adolescence it is important to keep children involved in sports, allowing school-based sport to be counted as non-formal education and using elective courses for sport, if necessary replacing from the sixth grade onward the new subjects with sport or cultural extracurricular activities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman calls Vadim Belobrovtsev to the front.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev noted that in the last two years the government has not made major decisions in the field of sport, and although there is a draft bill to amend the Sports Act in the works, which contains some positive but rather small improvements, he asked what needs to be done for the state to take bigger steps, for example by compiling, in a manner similar to culture, a list of sports facilities that should be supported more and by funding larger sporting events and competitions, and when such steps could come.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas said that there is no quick solution for funding sports and that long-term steps must be taken: to open new curricula (including in vocational education), to introduce movement education in place of physical education, to develop the coach and assistant-coach qualifications with secondary education, to study the funding scheme for sports facilities, and the support for major events is seen as an investment, which the government is considering during the August budget negotiations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar asks Vladimir Arhipov to come forward.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov thanks the director and the minister and emphasizes that there is a scheme for financing sports facilities, and thanks to the Centre Party's initiative and state funding modern football halls have been built in Tartu, Pärnu, Rapla, Haapsalu, Narva, Viljandi and Paide, and are under construction in Rakvere and Viimsi, and calls to continue and expand the program not only to football but also to skating rinks and ice arenas, because figure skaters and hockey players have shown good results, and this measure should become accessible to municipalities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar says that now is your time.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov said that an ice rink costs about €600,000–€700,000 and asked whether funding under the measure would support the construction of ice arenas or the ongoing construction of football halls.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Education and Science Minister Kristina Kallas said that, although the development of sport infrastructure is important, an increase in funding in itself does not bring medals or increase children's physical activity; what is important is training coaches and creating new career opportunities, and investments in three large sports facilities—the Olympic-size pool, a multifunctional hall, and a velodrome—so that the Estonian sports system would start functioning.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar invites Marek Reinaasi.
Marek Reinaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Marek Reinaas asks Kristina whether the Ministry of Education has the capacity and willingness to help reduce the mobility- and sports-gap and to ensure that children have equal access to mobility.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas emphasized that opportunities to participate in sport are limited by inadequate infrastructure and parents' money, and that expanding school sports programs would help those who cannot continue sport through clubs.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar asks Kristina Šmigun-Vähi.
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi asks the Ministry of Education and Science to make it a priority to ensure daily physical activity in schools and to strengthen physical education, because two hours of physical activity per week do not guarantee children's physical or mental health.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas said that increasing the number of physical education lessons must not come at the expense of other subjects, and schools should establish a 30-minute outdoor recess in the middle of the day and allow children to go outside during the school day. The state will also allocate about 3 million euros to local governments for purchasing physical education resources, and it aims to include sport disciplines in up to 30% of the free elective options in order to increase the number of physical education teachers and the involvement of schools in physical activity.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman, Lauri Hussar, thanks and announces that another quick Q&A round will be held and invites Urmas Kruuse to answer.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse believes that school days should not be lengthened; it would be better to add one daily team-based movement lesson, which would give mental health and capacity many times more than extending the school year.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Science Kristina Kallas emphasized that solving mental health problems is not only about diagnosing and prescribing medications, but about changing the school day’s schedule, where children have the opportunity to run around in the morning and 30–60-minute breaks in the middle of the day for physical activity and being outdoors.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker, Lauri Hussar, asks the Riigikogu to extend today's session until the current agenda item is exhausted, if the discussion has not finished by 1:00 p.m., but no later than 2:00 p.m., and he calls for a vote on this extension proposal.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, informed that 24 Riigikogu members are in favor of the proposal, and there are no opponents or neutrals; the session has been extended, and the following negotiations, at the initiator's request, may feature speeches delivered by representatives of Riigikogu members as well as by representatives of committees and factions, with the first speakers being the representatives of the factions, among whom Madis Kallas is asked to speak on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas emphasizes sport as the driving force behind the people's unity and health, the principles of fair competition and the need for concrete actions, and the importance of steps taken within the framework of the Sports Act, expressing a firm opposition to allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus onto the international stage, and the need to support medal hopes with plans and resources.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar asks for three more minutes.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas said that the development of sports infrastructure has been very positive over the past two decades, and that funding for sport, extracurricular education, and a clearly defined profile for sports workers are important, emphasizing that every child must have the opportunity to express themselves physically, and that the Riigikogu must continue to find concrete solutions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi was invited to the Riigikogu's speaker's podium on behalf of the Reform Party faction, and she was asked for three minutes of extra time.
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi's message is that, for Estonia's quality of life and health, a strong foundation must be laid in childhood through cooperation between schools, parents, and the state, and that every school day should make movement and being outdoors a priority and open the schoolyards for sport, so that children and young people love sport and stay healthy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
On behalf of the Isamaa faction, we thank you for your kind wishes, and we ask colleague Mart Maastik to speak from the Riigikogu's rostrum, and three minutes of extra time are requested.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik stated that the coalition's priorities, including energy decisions and cuts to families' livelihoods, threaten the youth movement and funding for sport, and without private-sector support and a guarantee of long-term funding for sport, we will not win medals.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar thanked and announced that, on behalf of the Centre Party faction, his colleague Vadim Belobrovtsev wishes to deliver a speech and has requested the floor from the Riigikogu's speaking chair.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev emphasizes that physical activity is extremely important for Estonia's overall well-being and economy, and the state must strongly increase investments in sport and health, because low movement and poor health are the biggest risks that must be reduced through concrete decisions and ongoing support, referring to previous progress and to the fact that today's projects require completion and time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for three more minutes of extra time.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev emphasizes that Estonia's sports infrastructure is in poor condition and that it is essential to develop large sports facilities (for example a hall capable of holding 10,000 spectators), involve the private sector, and create a sports minister at the national level who would defend the sports sector and promote its funding and the organization of major events.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
On behalf of the EKRE faction, Arvo Alleri is asked to speak at the Riigikogu's speaking desk, and three minutes of additional time are requested.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller emphasizes that the decline in movement among children and youth and the inadequacy of physical education in schools require increased funding for sports and youth camps and a more effective system of coaching levels, so that parents would be role models and young people would gain discipline and the will to be active.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks a colleague and, on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction, asks Kadri Tali to take the floor in the Riigikogu.
Kadri Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
According to Kadri Tali, funding for culture and sport through private money is crucial for the country's future, its economy and defense capability, and it requires cross-party cooperation, bold decisions and dedication.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked for three extra minutes.
Kadri Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In Kadri Tali's speech, it is emphasized that the sports and culture sectors could receive additional funding of 10 million in the first year, and 50–100 million per year in the future, and that with a smart tax design Estonia's culture and sports sector could become an economic sector that, over ten years, would bring 50 times more tax revenue and would enable dreams to come true and place the country strongly on the world map.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanked and declared the negotiations open to all Riigikogu members, and invited his colleague Igor Taro to the podium.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Igor Taro shared a personal story about how his love for sport developed, influenced by an inspiring teacher, and presented a sustainable funding plan according to which support for sport could grow by 2–3% of GDP through additional revenues, rather than through an increase in interest costs.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairperson thanked his colleague, reminded that Argo Käpa had been his physical education teacher, sent him greetings from the Riigikogu chamber, and then invited Jüri Jaanson to the podium to speak next.
Jüri Jaanson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Jüri Jaanson emphasized that success in sport depends on the will to push oneself beyond limits, and that the state should better support sport through subsidies for coaches’ salaries and funding for state sports facilities, and by integrating more movement into the school system, while also discussing the possibility of creating a Minister of Sport.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for three extra minutes.
Jüri Jaanson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Jüri Jaanson emphasizes that the safety of exercising and freedom of movement reflect the safety of Estonian society and require better national cooperation, less bureaucracy, and solutions for both outdoor and indoor settings, to ensure the safety of water sports and road traffic, so that everyone can move safely, athletes can realize their full potential, and the state would support both medals and the development of public health.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairperson thanks a colleague and asks that Toomas Uibo deliver the next speech.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Uibo emphasized that sport and culture are economic sectors, and the private sector must rely on the state as a reliable partner, because only the steady fulfillment of promises and smart cooperation opportunities can bring investments and ideas to life.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked all participants and speakers and invited them on Monday morning at sunrise to the foot of Toompea Castle for the Republic of Estonia's birthday ceremonial flag-raising and the opening salvo at the Pikk Hermann Tower.