The World Friendship Games at the Moscow School Leavers Festival and All-Russian Youth Day celebrations

The first truly hot weekend of summer in Moscow was brimming with excitement and energy. On Friday night, the capital hosted festive events to mark the end of the school year for students across the city. Then on Saturday, Moscow and the entire nation celebrated All-Russian Youth Day.

In Gorky Park, the heart of the celebrations, the capital’s school leavers were welcomed by Dobryak Tiger, the mascot of the World Friendship Games. Attendees of the School Leavers Festival had the opportunity to learn about the Games Volunteer Programme, its format, and unique features, as well as to apply to become volunteers. The World Friendship Games Organising Committee also prepared souvenir gifts for all registered volunteer candidates.

In the sports zone of Gorky Park workshops were held for school leavers: a Beach Volleyball workshop from World Championship bronze medallist Nikita Lyamin and a Basketball workshop from the winners of the BRICS Games 2024.

Celebrations also took place at another major venue in Moscow - the Russia International Exhibition and Forum at the VDNKh exhibition centre. Singer Klava Coca, Ambassador of the World Friendship Games Volunteer Programme, performed on the main stage.

On Saturday, participants in All-Russian Youth Day celebrations in various cities had the opportunity to learn about the World Friendship Games Volunteer Programme. Presentations were organized by resource centers and certified centers for selecting and recruiting volunteer candidates in Ekaterinburg, Ulyanovsk, Cheboksary, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Vladivostok, Arkhangelsk, and Samara.