On June 9, a working meeting took place in Veliky Novgorod between the leadership of the All-Russian Sports Federation for the Deaf (OSFSG) and Kristina Mikhailova, Minister of Sports of the Novgorod Region. The Federation was represented by President Dmitry Rebrov and First Vice President Vyacheslav Ershov.

During the meeting, the parties discussed reviving the official operations of the Federation’s regional branch in the Novgorod Region. Although the branch lacks state registration, deaf athletes in the region remain active. Under Valery Dmitriev’s leadership, sports such as futsal, swimming, table tennis, chess, and darts are being developed on a voluntary basis.

The parties agreed to collaborate on the following steps:

– Registering and accrediting the regional branch of the OSFSG;

– Forming a team to represent the Novgorod Region;

– Participating in national competitions;

– Creating an accessible sports environment for deaf citizens.

Following the constructive dialogue—and in appreciation of her support for deaf sports in the region—Dmitry Rebrov presented Kristina Mikhailova with the first volume of the book Stories of Deaf Sports.

Later, the OSFSG leadership attended a general meeting, where the Novgorod regional branch of the Federation was officially established. Valery Dmitriev, a longtime advocate for deaf sports in the region, was appointed as its head.

Dmitry Rebrov and Vyacheslav Ershov engaged warmly with attendees, addressing key questions about the development of deaf sports in the Novgorod Region. The Federation will provide the new branch with organizational, methodological, and financial support.

The Novgorod Region is back in action!