Yuri Shalabaev: In 2025, more than 135,000 children from Nizhny Novgorod participated in patriotic events.

      In 2025, more than 135,000 children from Nizhny Novgorod participated in patriotic events. This was reported by the city head, Yuri Shalabaev, while presenting the report on the activities of the city administration in 2025 to the deputies of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma. He noted that the task of the city administration is not just to impart knowledge, but to instill respect for history in children and adolescents, encourage their social activity and leadership qualities: "249 museums have been created in the schools and preschool institutions of the city, where children get acquainted with the history of the country and the feats of heroes from a very early age. The museum of the Special Military Operation (SMO) continues its work, actively developing its exhibition and using modern digital technologies. Last year, the museum implemented an interactive project 'Trophy Equipment of the SMO' in the format of 360° photo and video images. In 2025, the museum was visited by more than 33,000 people, and since its opening, more than 70,000." According to Yuri Shalabaev, a new branch of the Center for Military-Patriotic Education was opened last year in the Avtozavodsky district, where kids learn, among other things, to operate unmanned aerial vehicles. "A special place in the system of working with children is occupied by the organization of summer recreation and health improvement," continued the mayor. "The holidays for young Nizhny Novgorod residents should not only be interesting but also safe, and the conditions in the country camps should be comfortable and modern." According to him, large-scale work was carried out to update the material and technical base before the start of the summer shifts: "Six sports grounds have been built. Among them are open complex structures and covered sports facilities. Four new sleeping buildings have been constructed at the 'Olympic Hopes' tourist base. In addition, repairs were carried out in the camps according to their needs, dining rooms were updated, and equipment was purchased for them." The city head added that during the summer of 2025, the total number of children who participated in organized recreation and health improvement programs amounted to 205,000. "We pay special attention to the issues of social protection for those who risk their lives daily for the safety of our country. We support both the participants of the SMO and their family members. Systemic targeted assistance for SMO participants and their families on general issues, based on the principle of a single window, was utilized by almost 6,000 people. Social support measures were provided last year to nearly 4,000 Nizhny Novgorod residents for a total of more than 1.2 billion rubles. We thank our fighters for their courage and await their victorious return home," noted Yuri Shalabaev.