The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated and vibrant events of the year—the All-Russian Winter Spartakiade among subjects of the Russian Federation for athletes with disabilities. This event, which has no upper age limit, will feature winter disciplines in deaf sports and is set to take place in Ufa. According to estimates, approximately 800 participants from 30 regions across Russia are expected to gather in the capital of Bashkortostan for these prestigious winter competitions.

The Spartakiade, titled “We Are Together. Sport,” aims to develop and promote winter disciplines in deaf sports across the Russian Federation. It also seeks to enhance the physical fitness and skill levels of Russia’s top athletes while providing them with competitive opportunities amid the suspension of international competitions.

This is not the first time Bashkortostan has hosted a major deaf sports event. In July 2023, Ufa successfully organized the Summer Deaflympics, “We Are Together. Sport,” which welcomed 1,620 athletes from 30 countries. The event received high praise from international participants for its exceptional organization and execution.

The upcoming Winter Spartakiade will feature a diverse program of competitions. The main events will be held at sports facilities in Ufa, including skiing, snowboarding, hockey, futsal, and chess. Curling competitions will take place in Ishimbay at the Batyr Sports Complex, while alpine skiing events will be hosted at the Metallurg-Magnitogorsk ski centre.

The opening ceremony of the Spartakiade is scheduled for February 8 at the Ufa Wrestling Palace, with the closing ceremony set for February 14 at the Palace of Sports.

Ruslan Khabibov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan and Minister of Sport, emphasized the region’s readiness for the event: “The Republic of Bashkortostan has extensive experience in hosting major international and All-Russian competitions, supported by modern sports infrastructure. The upcoming Winter Spartakiade, ‘We Are Together. Sport,’ will be a vibrant and large-scale event, serving as an inspiration to the entire sports community by promoting unity, fairness, and equality in sports.”

Maxim Urazov, Director of the Department of Physical Culture and Mass Sports at the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, expressed confidence in Bashkortostan’s capabilities: “Bashkortostan has proven itself to be a reliable host. There is no doubt that the competitions will be organized at the highest level. The republic has already demonstrated its excellence through events like the International Forum ‘Russia – A Sporting Power’ and the Summer Deaflympics, ‘We Are Together. Sport.’ These are just a few examples of its successful track record.”

Dmitry Rebrov, President of the All-Russian Sports Federation of Sports of the Deaf, echoed these sentiments: “We still fondly remember the 2023 Summer Deaflympics, which were held at an exceptional level and received glowing reviews from all participants, including international guests. I am confident that this year’s event will maintain the same high standards.”

The Spartakiade is organized by the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation and the All-Russian Sports Federation of Deaf Sports, with support from the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The event is operated by RK-Sport, the sports platform of the Roscongress Foundation.