The qualifying stage of the National Championship "Abilympics" has started.

      In Russia, the qualifying stage of the championship for professional skills among people with disabilities and those with limited health capabilities, "Abilympics," has been launched. The organizers are the governments of the subjects of the Russian Federation and regional centers for the development of the "Abilympics" movement, with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the National Center "Abilympics" of the Institute for the Development of Professional Education (IRPO), and the presidential platform "Russia – a country of opportunities."

      "This year, the qualifying stage of the 'Abilympics' championship will bring together 2,200 participants from all subjects of Russia, including our historical regions. Thanks to this, students and specialists with health limitations will be able to demonstrate their professional skills, find like-minded individuals and employers, and most importantly – see that they have enormous opportunities. The 'Abilympics' movement is developing within the framework of the federal project 'Professionalism' of the national project 'Youth and Children.' Its competitions contribute to the realization of each person's potential, which corresponds to the national goal set by our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," emphasized Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Russia.

      Participants in the qualifying stage will compete for the right to perform in the final of the National Championship "Abilympics" in 2026.

      "Abilympics" has always been more than just a competition in professional skills. It is a full-fledged ecosystem supporting people with health limitations, uniting education, business, and the social sphere. In the "Abilympics" movement, everyone can build an individual career trajectory – from career guidance to stable employment. We see the results: more than 93% of participants in the movement find jobs," commented Sergey Kravtsov, Minister of Education of the Russian Federation.

      The qualifying stage of the championship will cover all federal districts of the country. The tasks of the participants will be evaluated by 735 experts from 54 regions.

      "Every year, more than 400 experts from 'Abilympics' undergo professional development programs at the Institute for the Development of Professional Education. As the federal operator of the championship, we create an environment where each participant can realize their potential and find a worthy place in the country's economy," noted Sergey Kozhevnikov, rector of IRPO.

      The first to take the baton of the qualifying stage were St. Petersburg and the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania. Competitions will be held in a total of 15 subjects of Russia across 47 competencies.

      "This year, for the first time, we are including the Vologda region, the Republic of Crimea, and the Chuvash Republic among the venues for the qualifying stage of the National Championship 'Abilympics'," noted Dina Makeeva, head of the National Center "Abilympics" at IRPO.

      Schoolchildren, students, and specialists will participate in the competitions. Based on the results of the stage, winners will be determined in each category – they will have the chance to represent their regions in the final. The names of the finalists will be announced in July.

      The "Abilympics" movement is the largest project in Russia supporting people with disabilities and limited health capabilities in the field of professional skills. The championships contribute to the development of professional skills, career guidance, and employment of participants, as well as the formation of a modern inclusive environment in the education system and labor market. The Institute for the Development of Professional Education conducts the "Abilympics" championship as part of the federal project "Professionalism" of the national project "Youth and Children" on behalf of the Ministry of Education of Russia.

      According to the materials of the press service of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.