Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sergey Kravtsov Comment on the Results of the "Abilympics" Movement in 2025

In 2025, more than 30,000 people across 89 Russian regions participated in the "Abilympics" professional skills championships for individuals with disabilities. Participants competed in 224 skill categories, with their performance evaluated by over 17,000 professional experts.

Over 400 participants in 15 skill categories took part in the qualifying stage of the first "Abilympics" professional skills championship for participants of the Special Military Operation (SVO). The qualifying competitions were held in July in Kazan, with support from the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation and the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan. The final took place during 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,' launched 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 the 'Abilympics' movement, 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 took place in Moscow from October 30 to November 2, featuring 50 main skill categories.

The winners were 450 participants from 47 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. In the 2025 regional "Abilympics" championships, 240 participants of the Special Military Operation took part, demonstrating professional skills in 44 categories.

The prize for first place is now a certificate worth 200,000 rubles. Second and third place winners receive certificates worth 150,000 rubles and 100,000 rubles, respectively. These increased awards will be presented to 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 providing support and building a development path for every championship participant.

"The core value of the 'Abilympics' movement is that it gives people the opportunity to find their place in life. Over three thousand partners of the 'Abilympics' movement employ people with disabilities across 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 offers both a young student and an experienced specialist a chance 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 Sergey Kravtsov.

In 2026, the regional stages will begin as early as March. The qualifying stage is planned from May 1 to June 30, and in the autumn, the National "Abilympics" Championship will traditionally be held at a single venue, featuring competitions in key skill categories.

Head of the National "Abilympics" Center, Dina Makeeva, reported that special attention will be paid to deepening international dialogue—including within BRICS—and to developing skills for the future. Furthermore, the championship's range of events will be expanded to reach the widest possible audience, including people with severe disabilities.

Development of the track for participants of the Special Military Operation will continue, which includes adapting skill categories and training methods to meet current economic demands.

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 Professional Education Development.

Participants in the "Abilympics" championships include school students aged 14 and older, students from secondary vocational and higher educational institutions, and working professionals with disabilities.