On October 5, the Volga Region University of Sports and Tourism joined the All-Russian initiative – the Sports Dictation. A total of 100,000 people participated at 800 venues across Russia. The event was held via video, with Olympic champions, national sports stars, and winners of major international championships and tournaments asking questions on-screen.

The initiative to hold the Sports Dictation was put forward by three-time Olympic synchronized swimming champion Maria Kiseleva. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev supported the athlete's idea, launching the nationwide initiative.

At the Volga Region University, Olga Pavlova, a member of the Russian Public Chamber, advisor, chairperson of the physical education and sports public organization "Dynamo" of the Republic of Tatarstan, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, and Honored Coach of Russia, attended the dictation.

Opening the event, she noted the symbolic coincidence of the two occasions: the Sports Dictation and Teacher's Day.

"We always remember our coaches and teachers warmly – the people who opened the door to knowledge and sport for us.

A nation that doesn't know its history and culture is doomed. Russia has always been a sporting power, and Tatarstan is the country's most athletic region. I believe you need to be responsible, remembering your victories and accomplishments to bring even more victories in the future. You will become good coaches and athletes yourselves, but without this knowledge, you won't get very far. I wish you good luck," Olga Pavlova concluded.

The dictation included 25 general questions and five additional questions tailored to each region. For example, participants from Tatarstan were asked about the year the Rubin football club was founded and the BRICS Games mascot.

In conclusion, Olga Pavlova noted that the country must cultivate not only medal-winning athletes but also good, educated people with good judgment.

"It's always gratifying to see someone who understands their craft and can pass on that knowledge to others, to their children. As long as we remember great victories, they will live on forever, inspiring a new generation of athletes to achieve unprecedented feats," Olga Pavlova emphasized.

Text: Georgy Vorobyov

Photo: Georgy Kim