Moving Toward Victory: Russia launches the "We Firmly Believe in Sports Heroes" award

      The start of the III All‑Russian Award "We Firmly Believe in the Heroes of Sport" is announced — a large‑scale and significant project aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting sport in our country. This event is intended to inspire the younger generation, as well as writers, sculptors, musicians and artists, to create new works of art devoted to sports themes.

      The award is organized by Kultura LLC. The project is carried out with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.

      As part of the All‑Russian Award "We Firmly Believe in the Heroes of Sport," an annual online competition will be held. Its goal is to engage Russians in creative activity, support patriotic values and promote sport through art. It will be held in the traditional categories: Painting, Sculpture, Artistic Photography, Song and Poetry. All citizens of Russia aged 18 and over will be able to participate in the contest. This year a new nomination, "Prose," has been introduced for participants in the 7 to 17 age group. This is an excellent opportunity for children and adolescents to showcase their literary talents inspired by the themes of sport and patriotism. Applications are accepted until October 20, 2025, on the award's official website.

      This award takes on particular significance in the context of current historical events, underlining the importance of fostering patriotism and service to the Motherland. Marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the "Year of the Defender of the Fatherland," the organizers have expanded the project's concept to include the stories of athletes who distinguished themselves in the sporting arena, as well as in battles for the freedom and independence of the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War and the special military operation. The official award website will publish the stories of sports heroes and Heroes of the Russian Federation who have become examples of self‑sacrifice, courage, resilience and pride in their country. They will serve as inspiration for contestants when creating works of art that reflect the spirit of the times and love for the Motherland. Thus, the project will contribute to strengthening national identity, preserving historical memory and fostering respect for the country's heroic past.

      All works will be evaluated by members of a professional jury headed by Irina Viner, Honored Coach of Russia in Rhythmic Gymnastics, and promoted to a multimillion audience through the award's platform. An open exhibition of the finalists' works is also planned, and the best works will be incorporated into the concept and script of the project's final gala concert.

      The award ceremony and gala concert will take place at the Irina Viner Gymnastics Palace on Heroes of Russia Day — December 10, 2025 — with the participation of Russian stars and celebrated athletes, as well as children's, teenage and youth creative ensembles, sports federations and teams, including the award finalists.

      Irina Viner: "This award is recognition of those who inspire with their honesty, hard work, patriotism and feats. It is important to support and encourage our sports heroes and the heroes of the special military operation, because they set an example for future generations. We firmly believe in their strength and strive to make their achievements even more visible and significant."