One of the highlights of the first "Healthy Environment" of the academic year was the "Ready for Labor and Defense" festival of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex. The event was held as part of the federal project "Sport – the Norm of Life" of the national project "Demography."
Thirty-five university faculty and staff members were the first to compete at the Burevestnik USC stadium. Before the competition, Irina Kucherova, senior lecturer in the Department of Gymnastics Theory and Methodology, led a warm-up, preparing the participants for the upcoming physical activity.
"It's great that we start the morning at the stadium, setting an example for the students. 'Ready for Labor and Defense' is a very important program, so we'll be dedicating the entire academic year to promoting it among students. This program isn't just a sport, but also a spiritual ideology. I want to wish you victory, first and foremost, over yourselves, because breaking your own record is already very cool!" Natalia Grechannikova, Vice Rector for Administrative Work, Social Development, and Youth Policy, opened the Ready for Labor and Defense' festival for faculty and staff.
A year ago in September, the university's faculty and staff also participated in the Ready for Labor and Defense standards, and at the festival, they received their long-awaited badges: 23 were awarded gold badges, and one was awarded silver.
By the end of the event, the participants completed all the tests: 60- and 1000-meter runs, long jumps, sit-ups, push-ups, arm curls and extensions in a push-up position for women, and pull-ups from a high bar for men. They also completed a 3-kilometer Nordic walk.
"The festival was held at a high level; all participants demonstrated excellent results. It's commendable that some had already been awarded the "Ready for Labor and Defense" gold badge, but came to support their colleagues, confirm their qualifications, and beat their personal bests. Some were trying their hand for the first time and, despite a lack of regular physical activity, were able to complete all the exercises," shared Gulfiya Gabdulkhaerova, Acting Head of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex "Ready for Labor and Defense" Testing Center.
She noted that many participants achieved the gold medal standards, but they are missing one event of their choice: swimming or air rifle shooting. Therefore, the final standards are planned for October.
"I really enjoyed the "Ready for Labor and Defense" festival. I'd especially like to highlight the general warm-up, which lifted our spirits, as well as the excellent organization of the event—we took turns taking the tests without any delays. This was my first time taking the updated standards, as I had already taken them back in 1990. I believe that passing the standards is important for everyone, but it's essential to prepare for them in advance. We certainly prepared, because simply showing up and taking them isn't enough; it won't provide much benefit to your body," shared Svetlana Sadykova, Associate Professor of the Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education and Sports.
After lunch, students from Volga Region University and College replaced the university faculty and staff at the stadium. Artur Sabitov, Executive Director of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex "Ready for Labor and Defense" in the Republic of Tatarstan, addressed the students at the festival's opening ceremony. He wished them success in passing the standards and noted that he himself had been a student at the University of Sports and Tourism since September 1st.
"The All-Russian "Ready for Labor and Defense" complex is a tradition that dates back to the very beginning of the Soviet state. The "Ready for Labor and Defense" badge—whether bronze, silver, or gold—is a mark of a person's fitness, not only physically but also mentally: their fortitude and courage," Natalya Grechannikova emphasized, welcoming the students.
As part of the "Ready for Labor and Defense" festival, students were invited to participate in the following events: a 60-meter dash, a 2000-meter dash for women and a 3000-meter dash for men, a high-bar pull-up for men, a floor-supported push-up for women, a forward bend from a standing position on a gymnastic bench, a torso raise from a supine position, a standing long jump with a two-legged push-off, and a 16-kg kettlebell snatch for men studying in the Department of Martial Arts Theory and Methodology.
"I enjoyed the event—everything was organized to a high standard. I managed to pass all the standards, and I think I did everything perfectly. The most challenging part for me was the three-kilometer run. I had previously taken the standards at school, but I didn't make it to the final score. I hope I've improved my time this time. I believe every student at Volga Region University should participate in the "Ready for Labor and Defense" standards, as I believe we study at the best sports university, and it's our duty," said Salavat Agliullin, a first-year student at the Institute of Physical Education, sharing his impressions of completing the "Ready for Labor and Defense" standards.
College students also shared their impressions of completing the "Ready for Labor and Defense" standards. They noted that the tests allowed them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide a powerful boost of energy.
"Completing the "Ready for Labor and Defense" standards was an interesting and rewarding experience for me. I liked that the tests allowed me to test my physical fitness and endurance, and they also motivated me to exercise more regularly. Despite some difficulties, I experienced a lot of positive emotions and felt myself becoming stronger and more confident," said college freshman Timerlan Faizrakhmanov.
Text: Adelina Khramova
Photo: Pavel Zheleznyak
