loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Soviet “Ready for Labor and Defense” badge — GTO - $15 (Aurora)
condition:
excellent
QR Code Link to This Post
What it is
The text around the edge reads:
"ГОТОВ К ТРУДУ И ОБОРОНЕ СССР"
= “Ready for Labor and Defense of the USSR.”
The center shows a running athlete, and the “II” marking indicates 2nd Class/Level achievement.
About the GTO Program
The GTO program was a nationwide physical fitness standard in the USSR. Participants (students, workers, athletes) could earn different classes of the badge by meeting strength, speed, and endurance requirements — similar to a national fitness certification.
Date range
This design style was commonly used from the 1950s through the early 1980s, with variations over the years. Yours looks like a late-Soviet variant (likely 1960s–1970s).