 He coached, studied at The Moscow Institute of Physical Culture, manufactured weights for weightlifting competitions and built some 100 sport facilities in Taganrog.He also created a weightlifting center in Taganrog and coached the Russian National Team.In 2004 Rigert was elected deputy of the Taganrog City Council (Duma), and in March 2009 Rigert was reelected deputy of the Taganrog Duma, representing the United Russia political party.