Paralympians and coaches honoured with the "Return to Life" Award at the National Centre RUSSIA in Krasnoyarsk
The Russian Paralympic Committee’s "Return to Life" Award was presented at the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk Territory as part of the federal forum "Russia – Country of Sports". The recipients included athletes who excelled at the XIV Paralympic Winter Games in Italy and other international events, alongside coaches and specialists whose personal contributions helped develop adaptive sport. The event was attended by Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Mikhail Kotyukov and President of the Russian Paralympic Committee Pavel Rozhkov. It was hosted by Honoured Master of Sport of Russia and seven-time world champion Yana Batyrshina, together with well-known television presenter, sports commentator and journalist Dmitry Guberniev.
President of the Russian Paralympic Committee Pavel Rozhkov read out a message of greetings from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to the ceremony’s participants: "Today, we honour courageous, resilient and strong-spirited people — true winners who have made a substantial, constructive contribution to the development of our country’s Paralympic movement and become a shining, inspiring example to others. And, of course, this year’s recipients include coaches, mentors to champions and medallists, and sports organisers. I would note that, competing under the national flag at major international events this year, our Paralympians showed boundless belief in themselves and their abilities, achieving truly outstanding results across many sporting disciplines. I warmly congratulate the ceremony’s participants on their well-deserved success and wish them further achievements and all the very best."
Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Mikhail Kotyukov welcomed the nominees and guests to the ceremony at the National Centre RUSSIA. He noted that many athletes had helped build Russia’s sporting reputation on the banks of the mighty Yenisei.
"One of them, the famous wrestler and two-time Olympic champion Ivan Yarygin, said that the greatest victory is victory over yourself. You have overcome serious challenges and proved him right. There are no limits for people committed to their goal. You are already champions. Most importantly, your example inspires others to return to gyms time and again, resume active lives, succeed in society and reach new sporting heights," said Mikhail Kotyukov.
Award recipients included athletes from Moscow and the Perm Territory, as well as the Sakhalin, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Orenburg and Bryansk Regions.
"All the nominees exemplify human resilience, determination and the will to win. The award therefore symbolises not only their achievements in different sporting arenas, but also their strength of spirit, their ability to overcome difficulties and their contribution to adaptive sport. That is why all ten categories have fitting names, such as 'By Personal Example', 'Strength in Will' and 'Return to Life'," noted President of the Russian Paralympic Committee Pavel Rozhkov.
During the event, Governor Mikhail Kotyukov presented Russian Paralympic Committee awards to 16 leading athletes, coaches and organisers of sporting, fitness and recreational events in Russia. The first recipient, in the symbolically named category "What Is Life? A Struggle!", was Krasnoyarsk athlete Pavel Selivanov, a World Championships silver medallist in the team event and the 2026 European judo champion.
"Many thanks to Mikhail Mikhailovich and the heads of all the regional branches for giving us the opportunity to train, attend competitions and take part in training camps. I know it is not easy to obtain visas and compete internationally. We are all now preparing for the upcoming Paralympic Games in 2028, and I believe our national team will perform successfully there," said Master of Sport of Russia and Paralympic athlete Pavel Selivanov.
The award recipients are winners of Russian and international events in Paralympic disciplines including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon, swimming, athletics and cycling. The nominees included two veterans of the special military operation, one of whom is a Hero of Russia.
The "Return to Life" awards ceremony has been held in Russia since 2005. The award aims to promote the national Paralympic movement, uphold traditions of healthy and active living, and encourage people with disabilities to participate regularly in physical activity and sport.
Cultural, educational and youth events of the International Week "Peoples of Russia" will run from 2 to 8 November.
