Khanty-Mansiysk hosted the grand opening of the All-Russian Motherland Defenders Cup in winter sports on March 13, a ceremonial start organized with the support of veterans’ advocacy groups, regional authorities, and partners in adaptive sport. The event showcased the growing commitment to celebrating servicemen and women through physical activity and competitive sport, with the organizing body coordinating closely with local media and civic institutions to ensure broad participation.
More than 300 participants from 60 Russian regions are scheduled to compete across five disciplines: cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, alpine skiing, and snowboarding. The five-day tournament brings together athletes with diverse backgrounds, highlighting speed, endurance, teamwork, and the spirit of resilience that defines adaptive athletics. The scale and variety of events emphasize inclusivity and opportunity, while enabling spectators to witness high-level competition across winter disciplines.
A deputy minister of defense emphasized that the program prioritizes veteran rehabilitation through physical culture and sport, supported by adaptive funding and inclusive design. The organizers are building partnerships with regional authorities to establish specialized sports centers so that classes and training can be accessible to all who wish to participate. This approach reflects a broader national strategy to merge sport with veterans’ welfare, creating pathways from local clubs to national-level competition.
In addition to the Motherland Defenders Cup, a calendar of events is conducted in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Sports, the Russian Paralympic Committee, and other partners. In 2024, more than 2,500 disabled athletes took part in nationwide activities, and roughly 40 physical-sport events were held in diverse formats, underscoring the country’s sustained commitment to inclusive sport.
Veterans have been provided with sports prostheses and adaptive chairs to participate in sports, along with equipment and gear for adaptive sports centers introduced this year. The program supports ongoing access to mobility aids and sport-specific gear, helping athletes train, compete, and enjoy the social benefits of sport.
The Winter Sports Center, the Khanty-Mansiysk Ski Complex, the Khanty-Mansiysk Ice Palace, and the facilities within the UgraGaspport complex serve as key venues for the event, with the opening ceremony taking place at the center dedicated to developing adaptive sports. These venues reflect the region’s commitment to infrastructure that supports athletes with diverse needs and ambitions.
The tournament began with remarks from the head of the Paralympic Committee of Russia, who stressed that veterans have become an integral part of the Russian paralympic movement and a driving force behind sport for people with disabilities. His address highlighted the importance of inclusion, visibility, and sustained support for athletes pursuing excellence in winter sport.
Beyond the athletic program, a rich cultural and entertainment agenda awaits participants. As part of the itinerary, visitors will have opportunities to learn about UGRA’s history, cultural features, and regional traditions, deepening engagement with the locality while celebrating the connections between sport, heritage, and community.