What support is provided to the fighters of the Special Military Operation and their families in the Nizhny Novgorod region?

      On April 7, 2026, 10:14 Society In the Nizhny Novgorod region, special support measures are in place for families of participants in the special military operation (SMO) — from monthly payments and compensation for utility services to free sports sections, kindergartens, and vouchers for camps. A resident of the region, Olga, knows this from personal experience. She shared this with pravda-nn.ru. She and her husband are raising two children. In the fall of 2022, after the announcement of partial mobilization, her husband signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense. According to Olga, this decision came as a surprise to the entire family. In November 2022, Olga signed a military social contract. This document allows the family to receive additional support measures, including monthly payments and compensation for 50% of utility expenses. The contract also grants the right to free access to kindergartens and health camps, school meals, after-school care, and additional classes. Free places in universities and vouchers for sanatoriums for children of SMO participants are also provided. The contract can be arranged at the social protection office at the place of residence — both for the SMO participant and their family members. When submitting an application, a questionnaire is filled out, indicating the necessary support measures: monetary payments, education or retraining, medical, psychological, rehabilitation, legal, and other types of assistance. A separate focus is on sports. Olga's son plays football at the Dzerzhinsk center for adaptive sports "Parus." Not only children but also the wives of servicemen can attend sections for free. "Many events for families of SMO participants are held at regional sports centers. There is an opportunity for both children and adults to engage for free. A big thank you to the regional government for this," she says. As noted by the head of the methodological department of adaptive physical culture and sports at the "Parus" Adaptive Sports Center, Ekaterina Glazatova, families have access to football, volleyball, arm wrestling, badminton, swimming pools, gyms, and other activities. Recently, new fitness programs have been launched, which are in demand among veterans and their relatives. According to the Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Dmitry Kabailo, special attention is paid to working with SMO participants and their families. The department conducts this work in collaboration with the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund and social protection structures. Specialists do not limit themselves to providing information — they directly contact families, invite them to classes, and accompany them in integrating into sports life. "We hold special events, competitions, and master classes. And we integrate participants of the special military operation into these activities. First and foremost, this includes free access to state and municipal sports facilities," he emphasized. The "SVOy Sport" system operates in the region, uniting state, municipal, and private organizations. The "SVOy FOK" project introduces families to the opportunities of physical culture and health complexes, while under the initiative "The Strength of Sports for Ours," commercial clubs provide free training hours and open workouts. To join the project, one must contact the social coordinator. The "Parus" center in Dzerzhinsk plays a coordinating role. Its specialists help select sections and consult families, as well as provide methodological support to sports institutions in municipalities. An interactive "Map of Opportunities" is available on the sports ministry's website, indicating facilities available for free visits. It was previously reported that the first Spartakiad of combat veterans is taking place in the Nizhny Novgorod region. 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+.