NSTU-NETI creates a structure for fencing training for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders

The author of the idea was Nikita Shalev, a second year student at the Faculty of Automation and Computer Engineering, who has disorders of the musculoskeletal system: "I started fencing when I moved to the 10th grade. I heard an impressive story from a friend. His 15-year-old daughter was confined to a wheelchair. They sent her to the Paralympic fencing section, and 2.5 years later, her daughter began to take her first steps. By her 20s, she could move around without any aid. I was interested in this, and I found such a section in Novosibirsk, and started training. I went to training for a year and a half, and there were good results: improved gait, coordination, and large and small motor skills. When I started preparing for the Unified State Exam, I had to give up fencing training because I physically did not have enough time to go anywhere. After entering the university, he could not resume training because, studying takes up much time. The idea arose within the framework of the discipline "Project activity fundamentals”. Nikita Shalev's idea was supported by the Center for Student Project Activities of NSTU-NETI, and they decided to help in its implementation. According to Evgeny Sokoly, a podium and a so-called fencing chair are necessary for training. The podium is a metal folding structure, its cost is high—it can reach up to 250 thousand rubles, so it was decided to make this structure by the staff of NSTU-NETI in the Center of Student Project Activities. "We contacted the coach Nikita was studying with, went there, looked at what this structure looked like, made a 3D model, and calculated how much it would take to make it. They designed not only a collapsible podium structure, but also a special training chair, calculated how much material they would need, and began drafting design documentation. The equipment for the manufacture of parts is there. When the material arrives, we will begin to assemble a podium and a chair for fencing. The cost of the prototype will be about 80 thousand rubles, which is much cheaper than the market equivalent," adds Evgeny Sokoly. The project was also supported by specialists of the Resource Educational and Methodological Center for the Education of the Disabled and People with Disabilities of NSTU-NETI. In 2023, the project became the winner of the VII All-Russian network competition of student projects "Professional Tomorrow" with the participation of students with disabilities. Nikita Shalev submitted a grant for the contest of socially significant projects "Parade of Ideas". As part of the project, it is planned to test the equipment, launch the Paralympic fencing section in the autumn of 2024, and hold the first tournament at NSTU-NETI.