Arkhangelsk Among 15 Pilot Regions with Phygital Center

The first phygital center in the region opened at School No. 7. It already has a modern IT park, three sports halls for futsal, basketball, volleyball, and a large football field. Now schoolchildren have access to powerful gaming computers, game consoles, and a VR simulator.

— In combination with the modern phygital center, equipped with the latest technology, this is a good foundation for developing phygital disciplines in our region, such as esports, laser tag, drone racing, martial arts, sports programming, as well as basketball and football biathlons, — said Andrey Shchelokov, Minister of Sports of the Arkhangelsk Region.

The creation of the phygital center was initiated by Alexander Tsybulsky together with the Ministry of Sport of Russia. Pomorye became one of 15 pilot regions where such sports innovation spaces will appear.

— Phygital sport is a new direction for us. Essentially, it is a two-stage format: first, participants compete in a digital environment — in a game or simulator, then they move into a real space and perform physical activity tasks directly related to the virtual part. This approach is important because it does not oppose gadgets and sports, but connects them. Young people who are accustomed to the digital world get a natural transition to real physical activity, teamwork, and live interaction through the phygital format, — said the head of the region.

In the Arkhangelsk Region, a specialized sports federation is already operating, and graduate students can enroll in a master«s program in phygital physical education. For schoolchildren, the center will be an opportunity to try themselves as esports athletes and take a fresh look at an active lifestyle.

The opening of the phygital space was attended by Nikita Nagorny, president of the All-Russian Phygital Sports Federation, vice-president of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, and Olympic champion.

— Today, Arkhangelsk has set a high standard for creating new-generation sports spaces. The phygital center combines sports, digital technology, and education. This is not just a club, but a new paradigm for youth development. By 2030, we want to create 300 modern sports centers in Russia«s regions, — said the athlete.