Nikolai Shadrin: "The 'Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region' program helps participants of the special military operation to work for the benefit of society"

      January 12, 2026 17:18 Society

      "The 'Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region' program helps participants in the special military operation return to peaceful life and work for the good of society. These people have already served their country, and now they will be able to work for the development of their region, continuing to do good deeds," said veteran of the special military operation and program participant Nikolai Shadrin.

      In the combat zone Nikolai worked as a driver: he transported personnel, ammunition and provisions under conditions of increased danger. For the precise execution of combat missions he was awarded the Order of Courage and the Medal "For Bravery." Upon returning home, he unhesitatingly decided to participate in the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program.

      "I was prompted to apply by a desire to study, to feel needed and to help people. My relatives supported me. Now I would like to develop leadership qualities and public speaking skills, as well as gain the necessary knowledge to become a competent manager in the public sector," shared Nikolai Shadrin.

      Nikolai's individual internship took place at the Ministry of Sport of the Nizhny Novgorod Region; his mentor is Minister Dmitry Kabaylo.

      "I have been involved in sports my whole life; I attended the football section at the Olympic Reserve sports school. I plan to continue developing in this area, and I am confident that the program training will help me with this," Nikolai noted.

      It should be recalled that the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program is aimed at integrating and employing participants and veterans of the special military operation into the system of state administration. In March 2025 an agreement was signed between the government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, RANEPA and KUPNO on cooperation in implementing this program.

      On March 31 of last year registration for participation in the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program was completed. During the selection campaign 1,613 applications from Nizhny Novgorod residents were received.

      Based on total scores from questionnaires, testing, online interviews and assessment, as well as on the results of in-person interviews with the Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Gneushev, 60 participants were selected for the main educational program and 30 people were chosen to be included in the next cohort upon returning to the region.

      On August 4, 2025 the official opening of training for the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program took place; the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Gleb Nikitin, took part in the ceremony. Sixty people selected to participate in the educational program began training.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed of the main events, exclusive materials and operational information.

      Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain 18+ materials.