Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin held its traditional "Derzhavin Ski Race" for the eighth time. Schoolchildren from the Tambov Region, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families gathered at the Druzhba Park stadium. Around five hundred participants covered the 1.5 km distance. In total, over 3,000 people attended the event this year.
"It's a pleasure and a source of pride to know that our traditional "Derzhavin Ski Race" brings together representatives from different regions, cities, and even countries. This event, which was once conceived as an internal corporate event, has become a truly inclusive and family-friendly celebration," notes Pavel Moiseev, Rector of Derzhavin University. "When I was driving here today, I caught myself thinking that the weather is always wonderful at this winter festival." I remembered a story: once, the day before our ski race, there was a thaw. I called the rector, Vladimir Yuryevich Stromov, and asked if we would hold the race or postpone it. He replied, "We will, and I'll negotiate with the weather!" He's probably still negotiating this, and we appreciate it!
The schoolchildren were the first to take to the track. The best among them were Kirill Moskalov and Elizaveta Sevostyanova, second place went to Daniil Obukhov and Valeria Konovalova, and third to Alexander Shchegrov and Ulyana Ukharskaya.
Among the students, Maxim Shmakov finished first, German Kriventsev second, and Maxim Golovkin third. Among the female students, Ksenia Nasonova was the best, Margarita Chechevitsina came in second, and Ekaterina Babenko came in third. In the Derzhavin faculty, staff, and alumni race, Galina Miloserdova placed best, Yulia Protasova came in second, and Dina Konovalova came in third. Among the men, Artem Savelyev took first place, Ilya Moskalov came in second, and Sergey Gribanovsky came in third.
Twelve families from the Tambov Region took part in the family race. The Konovalov family won this division. The Yakovlev family came in second. The Balbekovs finished third.
"My husband, children, and I participated in "Derzhavin Ski Race" for the first time, and we won right away—it's so gratifying! Our victory is the result of training and a love of sport. My son and daughter attend sports schools, and my athletic life was also connected to skiing in the past. I'm overwhelmed with positive emotions," says Dina Konovalova. "Yesterday's snowfall made the track softer, and it was comfortable to run." In addition to the family race, I also competed in the employee category today and finishing third.
Guests of the sports festival not only participated in the cross-country skiing but also enjoyed a concert program, Maslenitsa festivities, a lottery, a flash mob, tug-of-war, fun races, bandy, and felt boot throwing.
Partners of the festival included: Greenvit sports nutrition and dietary supplement store, MTS, Skazochny Les family amusement park, Alfabank, Show-Hello, Wildberries, Doctor Chernikova aesthetic medicine clinic, Chiko, Anatomy Quest, KRUZHEVA, Vzlom Reality Quests, IPRIME, Etazhi real estate agency, Scobeev&Partners, Gazprombank, Pandiya salon, and EPF agricultural supply company.
