The Spartakiad of veterans of combat operations has started for the first time in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      On March 30, 2026, at 17:58 Sports, on March 28, the Spartakiad of veterans of combat operations in the Nizhny Novgorod region started at the Regional Center for Adaptive Sports "Parus" in Dzerzhinsk. The competitions are taking place for the first time and serve as qualifiers for forming the regional team to participate in the "Cup of Defenders of the Fatherland," the "Cup of Courage" festival, and other competitions.

      The director of the Federal Center for Training Sports Reserves (FGBU FCPSR), Mikhail Gusev, participated in the event. During his visit to the "Parus" center, he was able to assess the infrastructure of the sports facility: sports halls, an ice arena, swimming pools, a medical rehabilitation center, and a museum of Paralympic sports.

      "The holding of such competitions is very important, primarily for the rehabilitation of military personnel. They feel cared for and quickly return to a full life," emphasized Mikhail Gusev at the solemn opening of the Spartakiad.

      Participants in the competition were also welcomed by the Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Dmitry Kabailo, the chairman of the City Duma of Nizhny Novgorod, Evgeny Chintsov, the head of the Dzerzhinsk administration, Mikhail Klinkov, the deputy head of the branch of the state fund supporting participants of the special military operation "Defenders of the Fatherland" in the Nizhny Novgorod region, Elena Markova, and others.

      "The Spartakiad of veterans of combat operations is not a one-time event, but part of a large systematic work that we are conducting together with the chairman of the city council of Nizhny Novgorod, Evgeny Chintsov, and the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the fund 'Defenders of the Fatherland.' Now municipalities have actively joined in engaging veterans of combat operations and participants of the special military operation in sports. Together we have created the most comfortable conditions for the return of veterans of combat operations to civilian life through sports," noted Dmitry Kabailo.

      The first discipline of the Spartakiad was sitting volleyball. Five teams from Nizhny Novgorod, Dzerzhinsk, Semyonov, Bor, and Gorodets participated in the competitions at the RCAAS "Parus." As a result of the tournament, the team from Dzerzhinsk took first place, the team from Gorodets came second, and the third place went to the athletes from Nizhny Novgorod.

      "In Dzerzhinsk, and specifically at the RCAAS 'Parus,' a unique environment has been created that allows for sports and comprehensive rehabilitation – physical, psychological, and social. We are proud that Dzerzhinsk has become one of the first cities in the country to establish such a multidisciplinary center: professional coaches, doctors, psychologists work here, there is modern equipment, and – most importantly – an atmosphere of mutual support. Our guys see that they are not alone, they are awaited, and they are believed in!" said the head of Dzerzhinsk, Mikhail Klinkov.

      The stages of the Spartakiad will last until November 30. The event will take place in two territorial groups: the "North" zone and the "South" zone, uniting teams from all municipal entities in the region. In addition to sitting volleyball, the competition program includes sports disciplines such as shooting, knife throwing, swimming, darts, table tennis, badminton, chess, powerlifting, and meeting the standards of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex "Ready for Labor and Defense."

      The Spartakiad is an important tool for uniting veterans of combat operations and meets the objectives of the state program "Sport of Russia" to increase opportunities for physical culture and sports for veterans of the special military operation.

      Let us remind you that starting in 2025, by the order of President Vladimir Putin, the state program "Development of Physical Culture and Sports" (the state program "Sport of Russia") began to operate in Russia, which fulfills tasks previously outlined in the federal project "Sport is a Norm of Life" of the national project "Demography."

      The state program "Sport of Russia" aims to create and improve conditions for physical activity, promote mass sports, and enhance the quality of life and satisfaction of Russians. It is planned to expand sports infrastructure, hold mass sports events, and engage residents in meeting the standards of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex "Ready for Labor and Defense." The development of children's sports will also continue in the country, and opportunities for sports for veterans of the special military operation will be expanded.

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