On June 24, across several Russian cities, a coordinated effort unfolded to organize a series of youth-focused figurative sports events as part of the international multi-sport tournament known as the Games of the Future, dedicated to Youth Day. The events were designed to engage dozens of young participants, building on the momentum of the tournament’s broader program and demonstrating a commitment to blending sport with digital creativity. The organizers reported these activities as a highlight of the day, emphasizing youth engagement and regional participation within the larger festival framework.
In Kaliningrad, the youth festival branded as NOISE featured a robust lineup of competitions that brought together more than 15 teams. Participants competed across digital football, digital basketball, digital racing, and digital martial arts, illustrating how traditional athletic disciplines are being expanded with digital and phygital formats. Prizes included trophies, medals, and meaningful gifts that recognized both teamwork and individual skill. The event was staged through a collaborative effort involving the Future Games project, the All-Russian Federation of Physical Sports, and the Kaliningrad Region Physical Sports Federation, with backing from the regional Ministry of Sports, underscoring a strong public-private partnership aimed at youth development and sport innovation.
Beyond competition, a structured training program was offered where representatives from the federation and a cohort of creative, intelligent, and talented young participants developed strategies to promote phygital experiences. This initiative reflected a broader goal: to bridge physical activity with digital engagement in a way that resonates with today’s youth, while ensuring accessible pathways for future growth in both spheres.
During the six months since its inception, the federation has connected 60 regional branches across the Russian Federation, with the Kaliningrad region proudly counted among its members. Officials highlighted that more than 80 competitions were organized in this period, uniting about 2,500 athletes in collaborative endeavors that combined sport, technology, and community-building. Denis Didenko, Vice President of the federation, emphasized the scale and pace of this expansion, noting the rapid growth in participation and the variety of formats introduced to keep young athletes engaged and inspired.
Phygital events extended to Kazan, the capital of Future Games 2024, where Youth Day visitors could actively explore phygital athlete roles. The dedicated Future Games 2024 area offered experiences in popular street soccer, the board games Subsoccer and Kicker, and interactive sport simulators that put world football stars within reach for aspiring competitors. The setup showcased how digital interactive elements can complement traditional sport experiences, broadening the appeal to diverse audiences while maintaining a strong emphasis on athletic spirit and fair play.
During the closing ceremony of Youth Day in Nizhny Novgorod, a special performance by the theatre director of Energy FidiGital, featuring the silver medalist of the Winter Olympic Games Ilya Averbukh, brought together dancers with a dynamic DJ-led atmosphere and distinctive lighting artistry. The event was designed to celebrate unity among people and the energy of youth, placing young performers at the center of a multi-sensory celebration that resonated with audiences and participants alike. The narrative centered on collaboration, energy exchange, and the potential demonstrated by young individuals across disciplines.
Responding to the moment, Averbukh remarked that the fusion of digital technology with performance art had inspired a new dance and technology-centric number for the Youth Day closure, blending modern lighting, immersive sound design, and the expressive movement of dancers. His remarks captured the overarching theme of the day: embracing innovation while honoring the athletic and artistic talents that young people bring to the table, and encouraging others to pursue their ambitions with creativity and confidence.