Five Derzhavin University students represented the university at the 11th Regional Qualifying Professional Skills Championship "Abilympics-2026."
The students competed in the following competencies: "Medical and Social Care," "Database Administration," "Web Design," and "Landscape Design."
In addition to the professional skills competition, business, cultural, sports, and career guidance programs were organized for the championship participants.
Following the competition, a first-year student majoring in "Applied Informatics" placed second in the "Database Administration" competency. He was trained by Alexey Samokhvalov, PhD (Pedagogical Sciences), Associate Professor at Derzhavin University. Mikhail Fefelov, a third-year student majoring in "Applied Informatics," took second place in the "Web Design" competency. The course was led by Maria Anureva, PhD, Associate Professor at Derzhavin University. Polina Gunina, a first-year student majoring in Pedagogical Education (with two majors), majoring in Design and Fine Arts, won third place in the Landscape Design category. She was coached by Irina Perunovskaya, a senior lecturer at Derzhavin University.
"Participating in Abilympics is an opportunity to test yourself and show that landscape design is accessible to anyone willing to put their heart and soul into it," says Polina Gunina. "The competition was interesting, even though it was intense. There was some nervousness, of course, but as soon as the work began, I immediately got into the swing of things. I designed a small garden. The most challenging part was keeping to the allotted time, because I want to get every detail perfect. But I managed it! The creativity of the idea and the precision of the execution were judged separately. I'm very happy to have won third place." The Abilympics Championship is held for people with disabilities. Its goal is to develop professional skills, provide career guidance and employment, and foster a modern, inclusive environment in the education system and labor market. The 2026 championship's motto is: "Every victory begins with a dream."
