A sports festival featuring children with disabilities took place in Nizhny Novgorod.

      On June 18, 2026, at 09:22, Society Based on the physical culture and health complex "Flight," the annual sports holiday "Hello, Summer!" took place. This year, the event was held for the third time and gathered more than 70 children aged 9 to 14. Participants included kids from school camps, including inclusive groups, as well as young athletes training at the "Flight" sports complex. "Today we held a wonderful celebration for the kids. You know, when I look at them, I don't see differences - whether they have disabilities or not. They are just children: smiling, communicating, running, competing. Sports unite and break down stereotypes. In our work, we engage in various areas - sports, education, and socialization. We are currently collecting proposals for a new People's Program, and I have already submitted an initiative for the employment of people with disabilities, including participants of the Special Military Operation. This direction should be targeted. After all, people with disabilities make up almost 11% of the population, and with the return of soldiers, this share will grow. Employment is the key to socialization and involvement in the economy. We need to support the kids and help them find jobs," noted Roman Ponomarenko, head of the NROO of disabled people "Ark," deputy of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma, and regional coordinator of the party project "United Country - Accessible Environment."

      The program of the holiday included town games, dodgeball, fun starts, hoops, sports warm-up, and bowling. The organizers emphasized not on competition but on introducing children to different sports, their communication, and friendship. Each participant received gifts. "We have been holding this event in June for several years - it is timed to coincide with several holidays, including Russia Day. We invite the kids, introduce them to sports, and conduct fun relays. We have a soft, safe surface. The children play, communicate, and get to know kids from other groups. It is very important for us that they feel the care and support of adults. Such holidays help them open up, make friends, and simply enjoy the summer," said Dmitry Zhikharev, director of the "Flight" sports complex and secretary of the primary organization of the "United Russia" party. The event aims to involve children in regular physical activities, regardless of their health capabilities. According to the organizers, sports break down barriers and unite kids, giving them common goals and the joy of movement. One of the participants shared her impressions: "I really liked it, it was cool! We played ball and spun hoops. Nothing complicated, everything is easy and fun. It's great that there are so many people here and you can communicate." The organizers plan to continue this tradition. The holiday "Hello, Summer!" once again confirmed that sports and friendship know no boundaries. The party project "United Country - Accessible Environment" helps people with disabilities and creates a barrier-free environment. Among its tasks is the development of accessible social, transport, and cultural infrastructure. The project engages people with limited health capabilities in public, sports, and professional life, promotes best practices in rehabilitation and employment, and fosters a respectful attitude towards people with disabilities while highlighting their achievements and contributions to the country's development.

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