The regional government team played football with participants of the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program.

      On March 30, 2026, 18:23 Sports On Sunday, March 29, a friendly football match took place between the team of the Nizhny Novgorod region government and the team of veterans of the special military operation, participants of the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program. The event was organized by the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod region in accordance with the goals and objectives of the state program "Sport of Russia." "Veterans of the special military operation actively participate in the sports life of the region. The friendly football match once again proves that our heroes are an excellent team not only in performing combat tasks but also in sports and civilian life. To encourage as many Nizhny Novgorod residents who are participants of the special military operation and their family members to choose a healthy lifestyle, we are implementing a number of support measures — including free access to state and municipal sports institutions and free training hours in private sports organizations. Participation in competitions is an opportunity to assess one's level of training, make new friends with like-minded individuals, and gain motivation for future victories," noted Dmitry Kabailo, the Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The match was part of the first qualifying stage of the Corporate Sports League football festival in the Nizhny Novgorod region and became a part of the systematic work to engage participants of the special military operation in sports. For veterans, it was an opportunity not only to test their physical fitness on the field but also to meet members of the Nizhny Novgorod region government team in an informal setting. "Such meetings are important not only as a sports event. They are a sign of attention and support from the regional authorities. Veterans feel that their efforts are appreciated, and the opportunity to step onto the field alongside the government team is an additional chance to showcase themselves in team sports," believes Yaroslav Lapkovskaya, deputy head of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund. Sports remain an effective tool for rehabilitation and social adaptation. The "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund continues to develop sports initiatives for veterans of the special military operation and their families. "We prepared for the match for a month, training regularly. Thank you to the organizers for holding the friendly match; I hope such meetings will become a tradition. The attention from the "Paris NN" football club is especially valuable; it was very nice to receive commemorative prizes from the club we support," shared Nikolai Shadrin, captain of the veterans' team of the special military operation and participant of the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program. Let us remind you that since 2025, in Russia, by the order of President Vladimir Putin, the state program "Development of Physical Culture and Sports" (state program "Sport of Russia") has been in effect, which fulfills tasks previously outlined in the federal project "Sport is a Way 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. Within the framework of the program, it is planned to expand sports infrastructure, conduct 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 continue in the country, and opportunities for sports activities for veterans of the special military operation will be expanded. The state fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" was established by the decree of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Its main goal is to provide personal support to veterans of the special military operation and the families of heroes. Specialists and social coordinators of the fund assist defenders not only with medical and social rehabilitation but also with retraining and employment, provide legal support, adapt housing to the needs of the disabled, and ensure long-term home care. The fund is headed by the state secretary — deputy minister of defense of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva. The fund's branches operate in all regions of Russia. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on the main 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+.