In 2025, over 30,000 people across 89 regions of Russia participated in the "Abilympics" professional skills championships for people with disabilities. They competed in 224 skill categories, with their competition tasks evaluated by more than 17,000 professional experts.
Over 400 participants across 15 skill categories took part in the qualifying stage of the first professional skills championship for participants of the Special Military Operation (SMO) "Abilympics." The competitions were held in July in Kazan with the support of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation and the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan. The final took place as part of the National "Abilympics" Championship, featuring 77 finalists from the qualifying stage representing 37 Russian regions.
"Since 2025, the 'Abilympics' movement has been developing within the framework of the national project 'Youth and Children,' implemented on the instruction of President Vladimir Putin. It helps foster an inclusive culture where everyone can demonstrate their talents and acquire a sought-after profession. Over the 11 years of holding 'Abilympics' championships, the total number of participants has exceeded 150,000 people. A landmark event this year was the doubling of awards for winners and prize-winners of the National 'Abilympics' Championship. The corresponding decree was signed in December by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin", commented Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The National "Abilympics" Championship was held in Moscow from October 30 to November 2 across 50 main skill categories.
The winners were 450 participants from 47 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. In the regional "Abilympics" championships in 2025, 240 participants of the Special Military Operation took part, demonstrating professional skills in 44 categories.
The value of the certificate awarded for first place is now 200,000 rubles. Second and third place winners receive certificates worth 150,000 rubles and 100,000 rubles, respectively. The increased awards will be received by 450 winners and prize-winners from 2025, including nine veterans of the Special Military Operation.
Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov emphasized the importance of support and building a development path for every championship participant.
"The key value of the 'Abilympics' movement is that it gives people the opportunity to find their place in life. More than three thousand partners of the 'Abilympics' movement employ people with disabilities in the Russian Federation. The fact that over 93% of the movement's participants successfully find employment is the best assessment of the project's effectiveness. The championship is unique in that it gives both a young student and an experienced specialist a chance for everyone to gain confidence, a sought-after profession, and a decent workplace. We are doing everything so that every person, regardless of circumstances, can realize their potential and make a significant contribution to the country's development", stated Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov.
In 2026, regional stages will start as early as March. The qualifying stage is planned from May 1 to June 30, and in the fall, the National "Abilympics" Championship will traditionally be held on a single platform, featuring competitions in key skill categories.
The Head of the National "Abilympics" Center, Dina Makeeva, reported that special attention will be paid to deepening international dialogue – including within BRICS – and developing skills for the future. Furthermore, the range of events within the championship will be expanded to reach the widest possible audience, including people with severe disabilities.
The development of the track for participants of the Special Military Operation will continue, including adapting skill categories and training methods in line with the current demands of the economy.
The National "Abilympics" Championship is a project aimed at drawing society's attention to the professional capabilities of people with disabilities. It is conducted within the framework of the federal project "Professionalitet" of the national project "Youth and Children" with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. The operator is the National "Abilympics" Center of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education.
Participants in the "Abilympics" championships include school students aged 14 and over, students of secondary and higher educational institutions, and working citizens with disabilities.