On April 18, 2026, Rostov-on-Don hosted a large-scale military-patriotic tournament on practical athletic all–around and military tactical training for students, university staff and residents of the Rostov region in memory of the Knight of the Order of Courage who died in his military service, Captain Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Simonenko (hereinafter – tournament).
The tournament was organized and sponsored by the public military-patriotic organization Russian Unity, led by Stanislav Vladimirovich Koshlich, Chairman of the regional branch of the FPAIR in the Rostov region, a participant in the special military operation, and Head of the instructor department of the interregional Center for Tactical and Fire Training Varyag. The tournament was also organized with the support of the Regional branch of the DOSAAF in the Rostov region.
The tournament became a platform not only for sporting achievements, but also for civic education, demonstrating the readiness of young people to defend their homeland. The exercises required athletes not only to use their physical strength and endurance, but also to work as a team, making quick and accurate decisions in conditions that were close to real-life tactical challenges.
As a representative of the Russian Federation of Practical Athletic Multi-Events (FPAMR), First Vice-President Magomedamin Nurutdinovich Gadzhiev arrived at the tournament to provide practical assistance.
The visit of Tatiana Petrovna Simonenko, the mother of the Hero, Captain of the Russian Armed Forces Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Simonenko, gave the tournament a special significance. At the solemn opening of the event, Tatiana Petrovna addressed the participants with a heartfelt speech. Her presence and message to the athletes symbolized the unbreakable bond between generations – those who defended the country in the past and those who are ready to defend it in the present.
Among the honored guests at the tournament were also present: veteran of military operations in the Chechen Republic, head of the missile forces and artillery of the North Caucasus Military District, Major General Yuri Andreevich Slesarev, Chairman of the Regional Branch of DOSAAF of Russia in the Rostov region, participant in the fighting of the first and second Chechen companies, Colonel Viktor Viktorovich Verevka, head of the DOSAAF-DSTU, Honored Coach Russian Federation, Master of Sports of the USSR, combat veteran, Colonel Mogilinets Nikolay Nikolaevich, combat veteran, recipient of three Orders of Courage, Colonel Subbotin Alexander Vladimirovich, Deputy Chairman of the Rostov regional branch of the FPAMR Fayzullaev Umidbek Toychibekovich.
Intense matches between the SK Storm and Donets-Avangard teams took place on the sports grounds of DSTU. The competitions were held in the spirit of fair play, demonstrating the high level of training of the athletes and their desire for victory.
FPAIR expresses its sincere gratitude to all the Rostov residents who participated in the organization and hosting of the tournament, for their warm welcome and professionalism.
We would like to express our special gratitude to Nikolai Nikolaevich Mogilintz. His life and contributions to sports serve as an example of resilience and determination for many.
The tournament, which was filled with a sense of camaraderie, courage, and deep respect for the Hero’s memory, was a shining example of how sports can bring people together and foster genuine patriotism in the younger generation.
