Tricks, risk and unity: Youth Day sports programme takes place at the National Centre RUSSIA
Visitors to
the National Centre RUSSIA had the chance to experience what it is like to
drive a racing car, see world-class tricks and learn how to give first aid in
extreme conditions on 7 November. The outdoor area hosted the festival
"809 — Our Cultural Code" as part of Youth Day at International Week
"Peoples of Russia". It was organised by Rosmolodyozh and the Union
of Extreme Sports.
Athletes, coaches and representatives of youth and civic associations gathered
outside the National Centre RUSSIA to introduce visitors to different extreme
sports and show them what safe riding looks like. Particular attention was paid
to mentors, who help young people master tricks and learn to take
responsibility.
"Skateparks have become a second home for young people. That's why it's
important to teach children, parents and riders themselves how to use these
spaces safely and build a culture of responsible participation in extreme
sports. We create educational content and run safety classes and events.
Working through mentors is just as important. These are people the young riders
listen to, love and respect. Those relationships can help pass on values, so
learning them becomes a natural part of taking part in sport," said Maxim
Goryunov, founder of "Balance", a school for responsible extreme
sports.
The outdoor area hosted demonstrations and workshops in freestyle BMX, scooter
riding and skateboarding. Visitors could watch the riders perform, learn riding
techniques and have a go under the guidance of coaches. In the street zone,
athletes performed slides on purpose-built obstacles, while a separate area was
set aside for aerial tricks. DJing sessions rounded out the programme.
"It feels great. I've already pulled off a few tricks, and there's plenty
more to come! I'm still getting used to the new venue and the weather
conditions. Of course it can be scary, but we raise the difficulty gradually
from one performance to the next. Our repertoire includes flips, other
acrobatic moves and tricks that require strength. I'm sure the visitors will
enjoy it," said professional BMX rider Dmitry Galkin.
Part of the programme was devoted to Russian motorsport. Visitors were shown
the Russian BR03 racing car, which they could inspect up close and pose beside
for photographs. SMP Esports racing simulators running on the Russian SMP Drive
Engine platform gave visitors the chance to try their hand at racing. The
steering wheel, pedals and feedback helped them get a feel for how the virtual
car handled.
In the areas devoted to practical military skills, participants were introduced
to laser tag, military climbing and tactical medicine. The training sessions
covered how to respond to injuries and give first aid, including how to apply a
tourniquet. Visitors could also try flying a drone on a simulator.
The festival also gave people from different sporting disciplines a chance to
talk. Professional snowboarder Alexandra Timurova, who rode a skateboard at the
event, noted that gatherings like this help build friendships within the
sporting community.
"We need events like this to promote our sports, and it's important to
keep developing them. But the chance to talk to one another matters just as much.
At skateparks, for example, we don't often talk to scooter riders because
everyone is doing their own thing. Here we can meet and get to know one
another. It brings together people who are passionate about sport," said
the athlete.
Youth Day at International Week "Peoples of Russia" was organised by
Rosmolodyozh as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. It brought
together business, cultural, sporting and exposition programmes at the National
Centre RUSSIA, as well as events in regions across the country. Its main themes
were interethnic harmony, traditional values and young people's participation
in Russia's development.
Youth Day at International Week "Peoples of Russia" was organised by Rosmolodyozh as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.
The audience saw vibrant performances that brought together folk traditions, expressive choreography and music from different countries.
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