Penza, 14 July 2016. PenzaNews. The closing ceremony of the second session of the defense and sports recreation camp of the Volga Federal District “Gvardeets-2” was held on the parade ground of the Penza Artillery Engineering Institute on Thursday, July 14.

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The Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy in the Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich, who initiated the camp, took part in the ceremony.

“Our defense and sports camp operates for the fourth year in the Volga Federal District – in the Nizhny Novgorod and Penza regions, children from the VFD, Republic of Crimea, the hero-city of Sevastopol, Donetsk and Lugansk come to the camp. During those four years, almost 4 thousand children were trained in our “Gvardeets,” he said, referring to the people gathered.

Mikhail Babich drew attention to the fact that the training program lets young people learn more about modern armed forces, army life, and feel the support of team-mates.

“You had an active sports and, very importantly, cultural, educational and historical program,” the presidential envoy remarked.

He expressed confidence that no matter what job the campers will choose in the future, the “Gvardeets-2” school will leave an imprint of their hearts forever.

Mikhail Babich thanked everyone who participated in preparing and conducting the defense and sports recreation camp “Gvardeets-2” session, in particular, the authorities of the Penza region and personally the governor Ivan Belozertsev.

“The Penza region is not just a partner of the project. In fact, this year it became the organizer,” he stressed.

In turn, Ivan Belozertsev expressed appreciation that the Penza region was entrusted the realization of this important project.

“Today, patriots are very important to Russia, they are people who love our motherland, and, if necessary, are willing to stand up and defend the country,” the governor said.

He expressed conviction that many of “Gvardeets” campers might decide to enter military schools and institutions.

During the official part, the chairman of the Volunteer Society for the Promotion of the Army, Aviation and Navy, colonel general Alexander Kolmakov and the deputy commander-in-chief of the central military district , lieutenant general Khasan Kaloev also greeted the campers.

In memory of the days spent in the Penza region, all the camp participants received memorable gifts – watches with the logo of “Gvardeets-2” and the inscription from the presidential envoy, and souvenirs.

In addition, the winners of competitions, held during the camp session, were awarded. Representatives of the Ulyanovsk region became the strongest team. The second place went to young men from the Penza region, and the third place – to the Saratov region.