Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Kirovsk (Murmansk Oblast). On March 2, 2026, the "Ahead of Time" physical education and training festival was held in Kirovsk. It was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the DROZD-Khibiny center and the quarter-century anniversary of PhosAgro. Participants in the program from the Murmansk, Vologda, Leningrad, and Saratov Oblasts participated in the festival.
The "Children of Russia – Education, Health, and Spirituality" (DROZD) program is PhosAgro's key social project. Today, DROZD unites more than 8,500 children in four regions where PhosAgro operates, participating in 84 sports clubs across 31 sports, as well as creative studios and supplementary education classes. In 2025, the program was expanded to the Kaliningrad, Voronezh, Volgograd, Tambov, and Oryol regions.
In 2001, it was in the Arctic cities of Kirovsk and Apatity that PhosAgro initiated the opening of the first sports sections of the "DROZD" program. Building on best Soviet practices, including the experience of the unique Moscow school "Sambo-70," the "Children of Russia – Education, Health, and Spirituality" project set broader goals: raising an educated, intellectually, spiritually, and physically developed younger generation—patriots of their homeland. Over the past quarter century, more than 100,000 young men and women have graduated from the "DROZD" school. PhosAgro's investment in the project has exceeded 2.5 billion rubles.
In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the DROZD-Khibiny Center, major renovations were completed in two judo halls at Apatity Comprehensive School No. 5. PhosAgro financed the renovation of the roof, entrance, and recreation areas. Heating and ventilation systems were reinstalled, restrooms were renovated, and showers were installed in the locker rooms. In addition, new sports equipment was purchased, including wall bars, pegboards, and exercise machines, as well as new furniture for the locker rooms and coaches' room.
The opening of the renovated spaces was the first event of the "Ahead of Time" physical education and training festival. The ceremony was attended by PhosAgro CEO Alexander Gilgenberg, Murmansk Regional Duma deputy Alexey Gilyarov, who headed School No. 5 in 2001, Apatity administration officials, and representatives of the city council.
"I'm proud of the heights we've reached today, together with PhosAgro and DROZD. These walls remember training with renowned athletes and Olympic champions: Sergei Novikov, Dmitry Nosov, and Andrey Tsyupachenko. And I'm delighted that for the DROZD-Khibiny center's anniversary, these halls, historical for me and many of our judo alumni, have been renovated. I see how DROZD is alive and well, how many kids are stepping onto the tatami, forging their athletic character, and training their body and spirit," said Alexey Gilyarov, deputy of the Murmansk Regional Duma and chairman of the Education and Science Committee, in his speech.
Honored coach of Russia and president of the St. Petersburg Judo Federation Mikhail Rakhlin, as well as vice-president of the St. Petersburg Judo Federation and Olympic champion Tagir Khaibulaev, were guests of honor at the ceremony.
"You are destined for success because PhosAgro, the DROZD program, your parents, and the best coaches are by your side, ready to guide you into the world of elite sport. All success stories begin in gyms like these. Tagir Khaibulaev took his first steps toward the Olympic podium in a similar gym. Having the opportunity to play sport is a great blessing. And doing it in such wonderful conditions is doubly so," said Mikhail Rakhlin, President of the St. Petersburg Judo Federation, addressing the students of the Apatity judo section.
The festival's grand opening took place in Kirovsk. Andrey Guryev, President of the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association and Chairman of the Drozd Program Coordinating Council, sent a video greeting to the participants.
"Over the two decades of its history, DROZD has helped tens of thousands of young people become stronger and smarter, finding their path in life. And I want to thank our wonderful coaches and teachers. They invest a piece of their soul in children every day. This is invaluable. DROZD has many friends, and we value them very much. These include the legendary Sambo-70 school, whose example has inspired us, the regional and federal authorities who always support us, and many great athletes and coaches. I congratulate them all on the anniversary of the Khibiny branch of DROZD," said Andrey Guryev.
Murmansk Region Governor Andrey Chibis also addressed warm words to the Drozd-Khibiny Center and PhosAgro.
"It's important that both the company's shareholders and management are very attentive to everything related to people, paying special attention to children. Everything related to health, education, spiritual and moral values—all of this is embedded in the DROZD program. And it's clear that this work has proven its effectiveness over a quarter of a century," the regional governor noted in a video greeting.
"The Drozd program is essentially an entire system for nurturing citizens of our country, and we are very proud of it," PhosAgro CEO Alexander Gilgenberg emphasized in his speech. "It's symbolic that this year marks not only Drozd's 25th anniversary, but also the PhosAgro Group's. And I would like to especially emphasize that this project and our other social initiatives are the hallmark of our company, the foundation of its philosophy."
The events of the "Ahead of Time" physical education and training festival lasted four days. During this time, the children participated in the sports and entertainment game "Big Races" and the team game "Constructor," participated in teambuilding sessions, attended a master class with Olympic medalist and multiple World and European figure skating champion Irina Slutskaya, and attended a meeting called "Conversations About What's Important" with the renowned athlete.
"In Kirovsk, DROZD and PhosAgro have created all the conditions for sports: modern gyms, a stunning ice rink, and many other facilities. But most importantly, I see the children, their sparkling eyes, their desire to grow and win," noted Irina Slutskaya.
The guest of honor at the festival's closing ceremony was renowned gymnast and two-time Olympic champion Svetlana Khorkina.
"A huge family has gathered here: children, coaches, and teachers. And I am sincerely grateful to PhosAgro for its generous spirit, responsible social policy, and support of sports," Svetlana Khorkina addressed the participants of the sports festival.
On the festival's final day, the children explored the Khibiny mountain tourism cluster and the sights of Kirovsk: the Bolshevik Cultural Center, the Apatit Museum and Exhibition Center, and the Mysterious Forest Art Park. Four days of socializing, sports, and new discoveries provided all festival participants with unforgettable experiences, vibrant emotions, and new friends.
"I really enjoyed it. I'm thrilled with Kirovsk, the mountains, and meeting famous athletes. Thank you to DROZD for this festival and for the new friends it made," says Alina Sutugina, a student at the DROZD-Balakovo center.
"Everything was perfectly organized; we barely had any free time—games, activities, workshops, discos—every day! I didn't want this festival to end, and I'll remember it fondly," shared Maxim Ivanov, a student at the DROZD-Volkhov center.
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