Volga Region University of Sports and Tourism was awarded the public award "Heroes of Our Time." It is presented annually to residents of the republic who have demonstrated heroism both at the front and in peacetime, as well as to municipal districts, enterprises, and universities in Tatarstan that have contributed to supporting those in need. The award was initiated by the Tatarstan regional branch of the United Russia party and the public association "Young Guard."

The awards were presented to the laureates by Farid Mukhametshin, Secretary of the Tatarstan regional branch of the United Russia party and Chairman of the State Council of Tatarstan. As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, this year's award is entitled "Heroes of Our Time. Heirs of Victory."

Volga Region University was recognized for its work in the "Humanitarian Aid" category. Natalia Grechannikova, Vice-Rector for Administrative Work, Social Development, and Youth Policy, accepted the award from Farid Mukhametshin.

The university's students and staff make a significant contribution to supporting residents of the Luhansk People's Republic and Russian soldiers participating in the Special Military Operation. In 2025, the Volga Region University team raised 200,000 rubles to purchase generators for the "Timer" volunteer battalion from Tatarstan, located in the SVO zone.

In March, the university once again held a humanitarian aid drive. For several days, staff, faculty, and students collected humanitarian aid for military personnel, including non-perishable food products and personal hygiene products. The university sent over 60 kilograms of essential items to the Students' League of the Republic of Tatarstan, from where a delegation carrying the humanitarian aid traveled to the Luhansk People's Republic.

Furthermore, since February of this year, a camouflage net-weaving center has been operating on the second floor of the Educational and Laboratory Building, near the "In Memory of Heroes" memorial area, for soldiers of the SVO. Any interested university staff or student can learn how to weave camouflage nets. The net-weaving center has recently begun hosting mentoring sessions. To date, the university has donated 85 camouflage nets to soldiers.

It is worth noting that earlier this month, the university participated in the "Bridge of Unity" forum, which offered an exchange of experience between young specialists from the LPR and Tatarstan. University representatives have also participated in numerous humanitarian missions, personally visiting the LPR and interacting with children and youth.

Text: Adelina Khramova

Photo: Press Service of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan