News

The first open hockey tournament in memory of Valery Kanakin is taking place in Penza on December 6 and 7.
Honored guests at the competition's grand opening included the wife and daughter of the Hero of Russia, as well as a representative of the special unit "Alpha."
Four teams from Penza, Kuznetsk, Saransk, and Novocheboksarsk are participating in the children's tournament.
"Today we are starting a significant endeavor – hosting the first open hockey competition dedicated to the memory of our outstanding fellow countryman, native of the Vadinsky District of Penza Oblast, Valery Vladimirovich Kanakin," noted the Governor. "He left here as a young man, served in the Armed Forces, then joined the State Security Committee, rising from a simple fighter in Group 'A' to its commander. He is a legendary figure. For a long time, we simply do not know about the exploits of such people; their heroic operations become known when documents are declassified."
Valery Kanakin served in Afghanistan, both Chechen campaigns, and participated in liberating hostages during the terrorist-seized maternity hospital in Budyonnovsk, the Dubrovka theater center in Moscow, and the school in Beslan.
"It was specifically for Beslan that Valery Vladimirovich was awarded our country's highest honor," emphasized Oleg Melnichenko. "The Star of Hero of Russia was presented to him personally by President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin."
"Valery Vladimirovich lived a life one can be proud of," he added. "For today's youth, he is that bright and clear benchmark to aspire to in life. This tournament will be an annual event in our sports calendar. On the eve of Heroes of the Fatherland Day, we will gather for the Valery Vladimirovich Kanakin memorial tournament. Our heroes remain with us forever. They live as long as we remember them."
"Today is a day significant not only for Penza land but also for our legendary unit," stated the representative from "Alpha." "We pay tribute to our dear, beloved commander. Valery Vladimirovich served in 'Alpha' for 35 years. No one in the unit's entire history has served longer. Throughout his service, he gave himself completely, investing all his soul and heart, sparing no effort to save people in danger, protecting defenseless children, women, and the elderly from terrorists. He was a man of immense courage and bravery, as well as boundless integrity. Your fellow countryman is a true Russian man, a genuine citizen of our Russia. Thank you very much for organizing this tournament."
Gratitude for immortalizing the memory of Hero of Russia Valery Kanakin was expressed by his widow.
"This is the first tournament of its kind in Russia," emphasized Marina Kanakina. "Despite the fresh pain of losing Valery Vladimirovich in our hearts, we still feel joy and warmth knowing his fellow countrymen have not forgotten him. He loved his country and his small homeland deeply; after retiring, he simply could not imagine life anywhere other than his native Vadinsk land."