Published on: 2026-07-02
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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In Kazan, the results of the professional skills championship among veterans of the special military operation were summarized, held by order of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. More than 2,000 people attended it in total. Participants and experts demonstrated their skills and mastery in 21 in-demand competencies. As a result, 63 contestants became winners.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that this time, about 1,000 people from all over Russia participated as participants, experts, and mentors of the championship — 2.5 times more than in the previous season.
“Abilympics effectively helps veterans of the special military operation (SMO), and it is also part of the constellation of championships in professional skills alongside the “Professionals” championship, with finals to be held in Kaluga and Saint Petersburg, and the high technology championship, whose final will take place in Veliky Novgorod. It is conducted within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children” and allows for creating an accessible environment, revealing talents, and finding employers. All this will help you take a worthy place at the forefront of the Russian economy. You are the true elite of Russia – this was recently said by our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin at the congress of the “United Russia” party. By his directive, we must do everything so that you can realize your potential,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister.
He added that various support measures are already in place for participants of the special military operation and their children. For instance, a separate quota is provided for admission to universities – at least 10% of the total number of budget-funded places. Starting this year, there is an opportunity to obtain a vocational profession for free again at colleges or to master a sought-after specialty through a free additional professional education program. “The Government of the Russian Federation will continue to help you so that you can use your unique abilities and talents in civilian life for the benefit of Russia,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense, Chairperson of the State Fund “Defenders of the Fatherland” Anna Tsivileva, the Ministry of Education, teachers, mentors, and partners of “Abilympics” for the high level of event organization.
He greeted the participants of the “Time of Heroes” program and wished the championship participants good luck, professional growth, and the achievement of the most ambitious goals.
“For many participants, the Abilympics professional skills championship has become a starting point on the path to mastering in-demand competencies and successful employment. According to last year’s results, more than 85% of the participants found jobs, which confirms the practical significance of the initiative. I am confident that the heroes who came to this year’s tournament will be able to further develop their acquired skills and return to active life,” noted Anna Tsivileva.
Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov emphasized that special opportunities are provided for championship participants and their children when entering colleges and technical schools, including preferential admission rights.
“Dear championship participants, you are our pride. Through your hard work and talent, each of you has proven that for true professionals there are no barriers, and skill knows no limits. I especially want to emphasize: your example is very important for the youth. You show the younger generation what true strength of spirit, resilience, and genuine love for the Motherland are. May this championship be remembered not only for the well-deserved awards but also for the warmth of communication, support from like-minded people, and the atmosphere of true brotherhood,” he remarked.
The head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, took part in the solemn ceremony honoring the winners and prize-winners of the championship. “It is symbolic that we are summing up the results of the tournament on July 1st – on the Day of Combat Veterans. This significant date unites all those who have honorably fulfilled and continue to fulfill their military duty. It is doubly pleasant on this day to honor our participants. Congratulations to everyone on the successful completion of the competition. You have passed difficult trials and demonstrated a high level of professionalism, will to win, and readiness for successful self-realization in peaceful life. By your example, you have proven that the veterans of the special military operation are a reliable support of our country, a source of strength and inspiration for the younger generation. Please accept the most sincere words of gratitude. We are proud of you!” he said.
In addition to the competitive skills, participants of the championship in professional mastery among SVO participants could try their hand at seven demonstration skills, including “Industrial Robotics”, “Electronic Equipment Assembler”, “Architect of the Future – Neural Network Art”. In addition, they had access to professional testing and introduction to new professions.
Alongside the competitions, business program events took place, which were opened on June 27 by the plenary session “From Rehabilitation to Profession: Effective Mechanisms and Solutions for Veterans of the Special Military Operation with Disabilities.” Participants discussed issues of professional and social rehabilitation of combat veterans, accessibility of secondary vocational and higher education, professional adaptation, and new employment opportunities for participants of the Special Military Operation with disabilities.
A cultural program was planned for the participants and experts of the championship, including organized excursions, and visits to theaters and museums of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The sports program activities included daily events: morning exercises, gym workouts, swimming in the “Burevestnik” pool, tournaments in chess, backgammon, table tennis, and much more.
Consultations on social support, career guidance, vocational education, rehabilitation, and employment were organized as part of the championship’s exhibition program.
The organizers of the professional skills championship among participants of the special military operation are the Russian Ministry of Education, the government of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the state fund to support participants of the SMO “Defenders of the Fatherland.” The federal operator is the Institute for the Development of Professional Education, the regional operator is the Center for the Development of Professional Competencies of the Republic of Tatarstan. The partner of the business program is the Russian Society “Znanie.”
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