Over 1,000 Veterans of the Special Military Operation Engage in Sports Across Nizhny Novgorod Region
Nizhny Novgorod Launches Free Sports and Social Support for 1,000 Veterans
Sports have become a key tool for social adaptation and rehabilitation for veterans in the region, Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin announced at the Manezh Exhibition Hall (MAX).
He emphasized that the region has launched several initiatives to support servicemembers. The "Opportunity Card" program grants free access to state and municipal sports facilities near their homes. Meanwhile, the "Our FOK" (Family Sports Complex) project promotes family integration, offering veterans and their loved ones guided tours of sports venues and meetings with mentors.
To streamline registration, the "Sport-Bot" chatbot was developed by the "Defenders of the Fatherland" foundation in partnership with the regional Ministry of Sports.
Under the "Strength in Sport for Our Own" program, veterans train for free in private clubs, taking up paddle tennis, boxing, Muay Thai, and esports. Some sessions are also attended by the wives of Special Military Operation participants.
Nikitin also highlighted that the region hosts major sporting events, including the Volga Federal District's "Defenders of the Fatherland Cup," while organizing local teams' participation in national tournaments.
"We're not resting on our laurels—we're systematically expanding opportunities alongside our partners and municipalities," the governor concluded.
Earlier, Pravda-NN reported on how veterans involved in the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" project were undergoing internships at the regional Ministry of Sports.
