Artur Orlov and Roman Rotenberg meet young athletes at the National Centre RUSSIA

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A "Class Meeting" dedicated to the development of mass sport among children and young people took place at the "Space of Opportunities" at the National Centre RUSSIA. The guests included Hero of Russia, participant of the presidential personnel programme "Time of Heroes", Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First, Artur Orlov, and First Vice President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, Head Coach of the national ice hockey team "Russia 25", and founder of the Red Machine Junior Academy, Roman Rotenberg. The participants had the opportunity to speak with people who know first-hand how sport can change lives and help achieve success.

The participants asked questions, shared their dreams, and received valuable advice. Artur Orlov spoke about the opportunities currently available to children and young people through the Movement of the First.

"We are implementing a wide range of nationwide sports projects that help young people unlock their potential and find the right form of physical activity. Our sports initiatives and events have already reached more than 500,000 children across the country. With the direct involvement of Roman Borisovich, within the framework of our partnership with the Red Machine Junior hockey school, we are opening a pathway into hockey for children from all regions, regardless of where they live," said Hero of Russia, participant of the presidential personnel programme "Time of Heroes", Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First, Artur Orlov.

Roman Rotenberg spoke to the participants about his journey in hockey and emphasised the importance of self-belief, hard work, and perseverance: "These conversations with young people are always very important to me. You can see how engaged they are, what questions they ask, and how sincerely they want to understand what sport gives them and how to find their own path. This is exactly the idea behind the development of the Red Machine Junior Academy — to provide children with strong training, the right environment, and the opportunity to grow through sport, hard work, discipline, teamwork, patriotism, and love for the country. It is important that a child grows not only as an athlete, but also as a person who respects their country, its history, and feels responsibility for its future. If, after our conversation, even one of them believes in themselves more, starts working harder, and takes a step closer to their dream, then the meeting was worthwhile."

During the meeting, participants asked how to start practising sport, how to balance studies and training, how to stay motivated, and what to do when things do not go as planned. Artur Orlov and Roman Rotenberg answered openly, drawing on their personal experience. Each participant felt they were being spoken to as an equal.

The Movement of the First project "Class Meetings" is implemented in line with instructions from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. School students have the opportunity to engage with inspiring figures and ask any questions about life, career paths, and professional success. Such meetings help the younger generation see real examples of success, receive valuable advice, and understand that ambitious goals are achievable.