The use of sports to help Nizhny Novgorod participants in the special military operation adapt to civilian life was discussed at a seminar in Dzerzhinsk.

      September 26, 2025 17:23 Sports

      In Dzerzhinsk, a seminar was held to discuss opportunities for sports activities for participants of the special military operation (SMO) and their family members. The event was organized by the adaptive sports center "Parus" with the support of the region’s Ministry of Sport and the regional branch of the state fund for supporting SMO participants "Defenders of the Fatherland". Participants included SMO veterans, their family members, coaches, representatives of public organizations and sports federations.

      The event was opened by Deputy Minister of Sport of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Ekaterina Parilova and the head of the regional branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Fund, Ekaterina Generalova.

      "Sport is not only physical activity, but also a powerful resource for recovery, self-confidence and a return to a full life. We see how SMO participants, having gone through severe trials, find new support in sport. Our common task is to provide them with every condition for this," said Ekaterina Parilova.

      The seminar program included informational sessions and practical workshops on adaptive and strength sports.

      "The 'Defenders of the Fatherland' Fund not only deals with providing social benefits, but also helps fighters return to active civilian life. Sport is one of the most effective ways to restore inner strength. Today's event showed how great the opportunities are for development and self-realization even in the most difficult circumstances," emphasized Ekaterina Generalova.

      The head of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Triathlon Federation, Alexey Ruskol, and his team spoke about the federation’s contribution to developing this discipline in the region and outlined opportunities for cooperation with interested parties. These initiatives fully align with government plans to create an inclusive sports environment.

      "Paratriathlon is not just a sport, it is a challenge to oneself. Examples show how people who have faced difficulties find in this sport the strength not only to keep going, but to become better and open the way to new victories. Active work is under way in the Nizhny Novgorod Region to develop infrastructure and train coaches so that anyone who wishes can start training. There is genuine interest among SMO veterans in paratriathlon, and joint work in this area will continue," Alexey Ruskol noted.

      One of the most emotional moments of the event was the speech by international-class Master of Sport, Paralympic Games participant and Order of Courage recipient Mikhail Kolmakov. His personal experience inspired many attendees to take their first step into the world of adaptive sport.

      The program concluded with workshops in arm wrestling, powerlifting, knife throwing and adaptive sambo. SMO participants, including veteran Gennady Shisterov, demonstrated skills and shared their experiences. Coaches Sergey Goncharov, Dmitry Shishov and Sergey Kuftin gave individual consultations and invited those interested to continue training.

      Organizers noted the high level of interest in the event and announced plans to hold similar meetings on a regular basis, as well as to expand the range of sports offerings for SMO participants and their families.

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