Dmitry Chernyshenko presents awards to "Heroes Cup" participants at the National Centre RUSSIA in Krasnoyarsk
The award ceremony for the winners and prize-winners of the sixth round of the All-Russian "Heroes Cup" swimming tournament, with prizes provided by Honoured Master of Sport of Russia Andrei Arbuzov, was held at the National Centre RUSSIA's branch in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Medals and cups were presented by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District Anatoly Seryshev and Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Mikhail Kotyukov.
"It is a great honour for us to take part in the award ceremony for the winners of the 'Heroes Cup', particularly in the category for athletes with complete impairment of the musculoskeletal system. These men are true heroes, and we are proud of them. They proved their patriotism on the battlefield, defending our ideals and our Motherland and carrying out the orders of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Now, having sustained injuries, the winners of the 'Heroes Cup' are demonstrating selfless service to the Motherland, unbreakable spirit and sporting excellence. They show everyone that we must continue to live, fight and contribute to our great country. Thank you very much, and I wish you further victories," said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.
Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District Anatoly Seryshev highlighted the participants' exceptional strength of spirit. He also noted the importance of the tournament as a platform for equal opportunities.
"Every participant is already a winner, a true hero. Through your example, you show that the Russian spirit cannot be broken. You have proved that nothing is impossible for you, and you inspire many people. That is truly invaluable. In civilian life, you continue to be true defenders of our Fatherland. Thank you very much. Thank you for the opportunity to hold one of the Cup's rounds in Krasnoyarsk. I am grateful to the Russian Government, the Ministry of Sport, the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, the Russian Aquatic Sports Federation, the Russian Sports Foundation and, of course, our fellow local resident and the driving force behind the tournament, Andrei Arbuzov. We will always support projects of this kind," added Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Mikhail Kotyukov.
Around 100 combat veterans from 36 Russian regions and the Republic of Belarus took part in the "Heroes Cup". The tournament aims to develop adaptive sport, support participants' physical and social rehabilitation, and promote healthy lifestyles and patriotic values. The project has been running since 2024. The previous five rounds were held in Sochi, Istra, Pskov, Saratov and Kazan. The Krasnoyarsk Territory was chosen to host a round for a reason: Andrei Arbuzov was born in Divnogorsk, where he began swimming and took his first steps in sport. He is an Honoured Master of Sport of Russia, a world champion and world record holder, a European champion and a World Games winner.
21 October is Youth Day at the "Russia – Country of Sports" Forum.
