'Zador-Fest' debuts as seniors in Sverdlovsk Oblast embrace fitness and fun

On March 18, 2026, the Sverdlovsk Regional State Budgetary Institution "Organizational and Methodological Center for Social Assistance" held its first major event under the regional program "Active Longevity" of Sverdlovsk Oblast—a physical fitness and wellness festival called "Zador-Fest," designed to promote an active lifestyle among senior citizens in the region.

The event was organized with support from the Sverdlovsk Oblast Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports, which provided the venue—the Uktus Mountains Regional State Budgetary Educational Institution for Additional Education and Recreation. The festival also included a Nordic walking workshop, methodologically supported by the Ministry, while the Ministry of Health of Sverdlovsk Oblast conducted a master class on breathing exercises.

UralSib Bank served as the event's partner.

Over 90 participants aged 59 to 82 took part in the festival, representing amateur clubs and associations affiliated with social service institutions under the Sverdlovsk Oblast Ministry of Social Policy. Attendees came from Yekaterinburg and nearby cities, including Berezniki and Pervouralsk.

Inspired by the traditions of the Zarnitsa military-patriotic game, the festival featured a route-based competition with various challenges and contests. These included timed Nordic walking (with an emphasis on proper technique), inflatable donut races, target shooting with a slingshot at ceramic targets, basketball hoop shots, and hockey puck goals. A quiz on Russian history, culture, and traditions was also part of the program.

Participants completed nine individual competitive stages, demonstrating their thirst for knowledge, competitive spirit, and joy in overcoming challenges. Winners of each stage received diplomas and commemorative gifts.

The festival culminated in a tug-of-war final, where teams showcased their unity, competitive drive, and coordination. A representative of the Sverdlovsk Oblast Rope Pulling Federation served as the judge for this stage.

After the competitions, attendees enjoyed a hearty field kitchen meal—fragrant buckwheat porridge and hot tea.

The moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived: the awards ceremony and closing remarks!

The prize winners were as follows:

1st place – "Fiery Hearts" team (Leninsky District Community Center, Yekaterinburg) 2nd place – "Vigor" team (Chkalovsky District Community Center, Yekaterinburg) 3rd place – "Victoria" team (Verkh-Isetsky and Zheleznodorozhny Districts Community Center, Yekaterinburg)

The winning teams were awarded trophies, certificates, and commemorative gifts. All participating teams received letters of appreciation.

Following the event, organizers received overwhelmingly positive feedback and numerous requests to continue hosting similar festivals, expanding participation to more areas across the region.