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Winners of the interregional stages from 13 federal subjects of the Russian Federation have arrived in Penza to compete for the title.
The “School of Safety” is a unique project that fosters in children and youth a conscious approach to personal and public safety, addressing the challenges of the modern world. Patriotism, generational continuity, and respect for the defenders of the Fatherland at all times are the priorities of contemporary Russia.
The competition is organized by the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations, and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters, and the RF Ministry of Education.
The event is supported by Governor of Penza Oblast Oleg Melnichenko, the Government of Penza Oblast, the Russian Center for Civil and Patriotic Education of Children and Youth, the Sverdlovsk Regional Medical College, the All-Russian Public-State Children and Youth Movement “Movement of the First”, and the All-Russian Public Children and Youth Movement “School of Safety”.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Penza Oblast Oleg Yagov addressed the participants:
“On behalf of Governor of Penza Oblast Oleg V. Melnichenko, I welcome all competition participants. I hope that during these ten days, you not only compete but also fall in love with our Penza Oblast. Six thousand young people competed for a spot in the finals, but only your teams made it. Let the competition be fair, and may the strongest prevail,” he said.
Deputy Director of the Department of Civil Defense and Population Protection of EMERCOM of Russia, Vladislav Gadeyev, conveyed a greeting from the head of EMERCOM, Alexander Kurenkov:
“This year marks the 35th anniversary of EMERCOM of Russia. Since the Ministry’s inception, working with the younger generation has played a vital role. The School of Safety is an excellent example of effective work with children in safety culture, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and patriotic education. I am confident that the competition will be held at the highest level. I wish the participants new achievements and well-deserved victories, and the spectators many vivid emotions and unforgettable experiences,” Kurenkov stated.
Elena Belikova, Director of the Russian Center for Civil and Patriotic Education of Children and Youth, emphasized in her video address:
“This is a unique project where schoolchildren from across the country acquire the skills of real rescuers: they compete in firefighting, first aid, water rescues, test themselves on survival routes, and receive instructions for emergency response. Despite their young age, those who are already part of the project understand that saving lives is, first and foremost, a calling.”
After the opening ceremony, participants demonstrated their skills in a combined firefighting relay. The stage included passing through a tunnel, navigating an obstacle course with firefighting equipment, and culminated with water being delivered to a target and extinguishing a simulated fire.
The young heroes showed excellent results, displaying courage and dedication.
Over the course of nine days, participants will demonstrate their skills in rescue operations and survival routes. They will face challenging tasks requiring endurance, knowledge, and teamwork. The competition will conclude on August 10, when the overall winners will be announced.