Today, October 5th, is Teacher's Day in Russia.
On this special day, our students shared stories of how physical education teachers and coaches in their chosen sports influenced their upbringing.
Sergey Lutsevich, a player for the Krylatye Barsy basketball club, began the story:
"My first coach was Alexander Grechishnikov. When I was six, I was walking past the sports school with my mother, and when I asked, 'What's inside?' she suggested we go inside. The security guard wanted to turn us away and send us back to the next year, but at that moment, Alexander Nikolaevich appeared. He asked me just three questions: how old I was, how tall my father was, and did I have sneakers?
From then on, I started playing basketball. The coach showed me the meaning of discipline and courage. When we got older, he put us in a sports class, becoming a physical education teacher. Alexander Nikolaevich gave me a lot of experience: we spent a lot of time talking about life principles, joking and training together, and hoisting trophies over our heads.
Now I try to visit him at the sports school; I'm always happy to see both my coach and the guys who influenced my development as an athlete," Sergey shared.
He was joined by team captain Oleg Kovalenko:
"My first teacher and homeroom teacher was Lyudmila Mikhailovna. She shaped me into a person: she taught me the basics of math and Russian, we spent a lot of time exploring the world around us, and making crafts. I'm very grateful to her for all her contributions to my development, and I always remember Lyudmila Mikhailovna with warmth and love," Oleg said.
The trilogy of stories about teachers and coaches was completed by the player of the women's basketball club "Krylatye Barsy" Vladislav Baknina.
"My first teacher, Svetlana Ovchinnikova, will always remain etched in my memory. She opened the doors to a world of knowledge for me. From first grade, Svetlana Vadimovna was always there, with a smile on her face and warm words. Thanks to her, I learned not only to read and write, but also to believe in myself.
I started first grade at age seven; I'm 19 now, but I still keep in touch with Svetlana Vadimovna. She rejoices at my successes in school, sports, and life. Every time I visit my hometown, I try to see her and talk about everything. She once managed to come to Kazan, and we met there too. I thank Svetlana Vadimovna for everything she has done for me," Vladislava emphasized.
Dear teachers! We congratulate you on your professional holiday! We wish you good health, boundless energy, and the strength to nurture the next generation of great athletes and individuals!
