The awards ceremony for the gold badges of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex "Ready for Labor and Defense" and the winners and runners-up of the military-applied sports tournament took place today in the foyer of the second floor of the educational and laboratory building of the Volga Region University of Sport and Tourism. The event was part of the university's "Healthy Environment" program and was timed to coincide with Crimea's Reunification with Russia Day.

The event was organized by the Volga Region Physical Culture and Sports Complex GTO Testing Center, led by Gulfiya Gabdulkhaerova. Students from three university institutes—the Institute of Sports, the Institute of Physical Education, and the International Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism—as well as students from the Secondary Vocational Education Department, participated in the ceremony.

Fourteen students who successfully completed the GTO standards corresponding to their age levels were awarded the honorary award.

That day also honored the participants of the military-applied sports tournament, which took place in February as part of the "Healthy Environment" program. The competition brought together students who demonstrated outstanding results in disciplines that required not only physical fitness but also the willpower necessary for future defenders of the Fatherland. Twenty-seven students received awards.

"The conclusion of the military-applied sports tournament is always exciting. You see a different side of the participants; each one reveals their own unique side, building their character. This is the third year the tournament has been held at the university, and the program is expanding, and we strive to make it rich and engaging so that everyone can enjoy it."

This year, 27 people in various age categories received awards. Both boys and girls participated. Tatyana Gunicheva was the most memorable: her tenacity was evident in the event, such as assembling and disassembling a Kalashnikov AK-74 assault rifle, but she confidently completed the task and placed among the winners. The tournament fosters strength, spirit, and patriotism, so the number of such events will continue to grow.

Traditionally, the VFSK GTO testing center also holds award ceremonies. We would like to see more participants and more gold badge recipients at the ceremonies – not only among students but also among faculty members. We invite everyone to try their hand at the GTO, noted Gulfiya Gabdulkhaerova.

Holding the awards ceremony on Crimea's Reunification Day with Russia gave the event special significance. This date symbolizes shared history, national unity, and fortitude—qualities that are fostered, among other things, through sports and military training.

Text: Tatyana Potekhina

Photo: Kira Grudina