On Wednesday, Russian President, Vladimir Putin emerged with film actor, Steven Seagal at an event that sought to promote healthy lifestyles among young people. Putin said:

I think it would be quite appropriate to recall the positive experience of past decades when the so-called GTO, Ready for Labour and Defence, was in use in our country. The revival of this system – in a new, modern format – could bring major benefits

Putin and Seagal chillin’ at some thing, some time back

The GTO mass physical training program was introduced by Stalin in the 1930’s. Putin told education and sports ministers that the students’ performance under the GTO should be taken into account when universities consider applications. Because Russia hates fat people.

Putin started his six year presidential term in May, and frequently refers to the old soviet era.

Look at that FACE.

Seagal, whose films are popular in Russia, rushed in to pull Putin from a crowd of students he was posing with pretending to be his bodyguard. The announcer said:

Kids, remain calm, it’s a great honor to take pictures with the president of Russia.

Putin, not suprisingly, has a black belt in Judo and is proficient in Sambo, a martial art developed by the Soviet Army.

[Source: Reuters]