Veterans of the Special Military Operation submitted more than 800 applications to participate in the "Abilympics."

      March 24, 2026 10:12 Society Regional stages of the "Abilympics" championship for people with disabilities and limited health capabilities are taking place across the country. Among the participants are veterans of the special military operation, who can showcase their skills in any competency in the "specialists" category. More than 800 applications have been received from heroes across 238 competencies. "The championship gives our defenders the opportunity to acquire new professional skills, master in-demand specialties, and demonstrate their abilities and talents. Despite health limitations, the heroes strive to benefit society and fully realize themselves. The "Abilympics" is a benchmark and source of inspiration for veterans," noted the State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia, Chairwoman of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation Anna Tsivileva. Regional championships are held in all subjects of the country. Participants are presented with 138 regional competencies and 50 main ones, in which they compete as part of the qualifying stage of the National "Abilympics" championship. Mentorship support is organized in each region, allowing for quality preparation and potential development. The "Abilympics" is a powerful support mechanism for people with health limitations, opening new professional horizons for them. More than three thousand employer partners are involved in the movement. And the results speak for themselves: 93% of "Abilympics" championship participants find employment. The competitions provide an opportunity to gain new knowledge, unlock potential under the guidance of experienced mentors, and gain confidence in their abilities. The Institute for the Development of Professional Education has accumulated rich experience in conducting professional skill championships, and it is a special honor and responsibility for us to apply it to support veterans of the special military operation," emphasized the rector of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education Sergey Kozhevnikov. Also, in June, a championship in professional skills among participants of the special military operation with disabilities will take place in Kazan. The heroes will compete in 21 main competencies: "Instructor in adaptive physical culture," "Plumber of sanitary and technical systems," "First aid instructor," "Specialist in ground robotic complexes," "Performing arts (vocal)," "Painting," "Drone operator," "Culinary arts," and others. "Participation in the "Abilympics" has become a great opportunity to showcase myself. I gained valuable experience and understood where to move forward. I made personal and professional connections. After taking second place in the "Tourism" competency, I felt confident in my abilities. I plan to continue actively participating in competitions and events of this level, developing my skills and delving into new areas of study. I thank the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation for the invitation, assistance, and support," said SVO participant from St. Petersburg, Dementiy Lebedev. The professional skills championship for SVO participants was held for the first time in Kazan from July 25 to 29, 2025, bringing together more than 400 people. The laureates demonstrated their skills in the finals of the National "Abilympics" championship in Moscow. The National "Abilympics" championship is held as part of the federal project "Professionalism" of the national project "Youth and Children" with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. The operator is the National Center "Abilympics" of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+