A Celebration of Sport and Team Spirit: TSPU Welcomes Freshmen at Annual Spartakiad

The Tomsk State Pedagogical University held a major sporting event for freshmen, which has been conducted for approximately 20 years. According to the organizers from the Institute of Physical Culture and Sports (IPCS), its main goal is not only to promote healthy lifestyle but also to foster team spirit and to support the university's sports traditions. Over 70 first-year students, representing their institutes and faculties, participated in the competition. 

Vice-Rector Elena Poleva addressed the participants with a welcoming speech:

«Sport has always been associated with youth, strength, will, and energy. Such events allow you to feel part of the large community of the Tomsk State Pedagogical University. Teacher's Week is an excellent occasion to express oneself, strengthen team spirit, and simply enjoy shared victories and communication. I sincerely wish you to make this day bright: compete, support each other, and truly enjoy the festival. May this experience become a start for new achievements and adventures for everyone».

IPCS Director Anatoly Vakurin also welcomed the freshmen, noting that today's competitions should not only mark the opening of the new sports season but also provoke serious interest in sports.  

«I congratulate you on the start of our competitions and the opening of the new sports season this academic year. This is your first sporting event within the walls of the Tomsk State Pedagogical University. The TSPU Sports Club devote itseld to organization of such events to involve you in regular physical education and sports. I believe those present here are people passionate about sports. Many of you engaged in it at school or in sport sections. Therefore, my main message for you is to keep it up! Do not stop under any circumstances. Ahead, over the next five years, many sporting events await you, and I want you all in join. Good luck! May the strongest win!»

After the opening remarks and warm-up, the main stage of the competitions began. The sports program consisted of two running relays and one jumping relay. The first two relays races included running exercises with sports equipment and obstacle course. The final one involved performing jumps over various obstacles. Although not all teams became winners in every category, all participants felt united with their teams, supporting each other in the strive for victory.

«The Spartakiad helped develop a true team spirit and united the students. For me, the sports competitions were a lesson in teamwork, support, and unity. And, of course, they taught strategy: the winner is the one who can competently distribute strength and tasks among team members», — said IPCS student Sofia Suchkova.

The results of the Spartakiad:

• The Institute of Childhood and Art Pedagogy – 1st place; 

• The Institute of Physical Culture and Sports – 2nd place;

• The Faculty of Psychology and Special Education and the joint team of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry and the Faculty of History and Philology – 3rd place.