The closing ceremony of sport and tourism camp “Touriade-2015” took place at Khvalynsk ski resort on May 23. The ceremony was attended by the Presidential Envoy at Volga Federal District M.V. Babich, the initiator of the camp, and Saratov Region Governor V.V. Radaev. Saratov State University was represented by SSU Rector, Prof. A.N. Chumachenko, Vice-rector for educational and organizational work I.G. Malinski, Faculty of Geography Dean V.Z. Makarov, and Institute of History and International Relations Director T.V. Cherevichko.

Before the closing ceremony the honoured guests talked to “Touriade-2015” participants and visited the camping place, where the teams lived. At the site of cultural and tourist sights the Envoy saw crafts exhibition – Saratov harmonica, unique clayware. The sport and tourism camp had its own coin made that had a “Touriade-2015” logo on it.

Then the guests saw a martial arts show: military-patriotic club member demonstrated close fight techniques and knife throwing, Kazak cadet class members showed cold steel weapons handling skills, historic fencing club representatives presented sword fighting.

Then the guests visited exhibitions at ski resort hotel complex. SSU Rector A.N. Chumachenko presented works of Saratov branch of Russian Geographic Society to the Presidential Envoy. Among them were historic data, information on the received grants including regional natural history atlas, “Volga panorama” project with expeditions in Saratov and Volgograd regions. Field work resulted in monographs and booklet series that have significant scientific and educational importance. The exposition also included stands about Ukek virtual reconstruction and tourist club “Region Roads” that is part of Russian Geographic Society. A.N. Chumachenko introduced the guests to the technology of 3D modeling that allows creating a full-size model and dot field to recreate engineering and natural object in minute detail, e.g. to reconstruct architectural monuments and complex engineering communications.

Then there was a round table on “Development of children and young adults sport and cultural tourism”. SSU Rector, Prof. A.N. Chumachenko and Faculty of Geography Dean V.Z. Makarov took part in the meeting.

According to M.V. Babich, the number of Touriad participants grows every year, their professional level is higher, sport and cultural programs get better and better. The Presidential Envoy said a number of issues were solved last year. “Participants scope grows thanks to active engagement of municipal institutions. It has doubled over the last year”.

For the first time the participants discussed cultural tourism support measures. “We need to focus on children and young adults’ educational tourism like organizing tours for school children and young people”, said the Presidential Envoy.

Institute of History and International Relations student Julia Ivanova presented “Saratov Region Tourist Atlas” project. This is a tourist guide of the region that aims to acquaint everyone with its historic and cultural landmarks. The project was among the top 6 at “i-Volga-2014” forum and got funding.

Then M.V. Babich and A.N. Chumachenko discussed the possibility of making tourist atlases of every region in the Volga Federal Disrtrict. SSU Rector said it would improve the region’s image and help develop its tourist industry.

Chair of Saratov Branch of Russian Geographical Society V.Z. Makarov continued this topic drawing attention to the special role of mass information support in making the atlas. “We should know every mountain, every river, history of villages and outstanding people in our region”, said the Professor.

Traditional award ceremony was the culmination of Touriade-2015. Saratov region got the second place this year. Out of 19 students on the team 10 were from Saratov State University.

Three Institute of Philology and Journalism students – Nadezhda Pozharova, Alena Bukanova, and Alena Skvortsova – who represented “SGUshenka” magazine and “I like it” project did their best at Touriade. Their excellent work helped Saratov region team to get this award.

The honoured guests awarded the winners with certificates and memorable gifts.

Traditionally, Touriad-2015 ended with a big fire. All participants promised they would come to Khvalynsk land next year.