The city of Yaroslavl in the Russian Federation recently hosted the regional stage of the All-Russian creative competition “Artificial Intelligence in the Fight for Healthy Bones”, culminating in a vibrant celebration of art, health, and innovation. Organized by the All-Russian Patient Society Osteorus, the Russian Association of Osteoporosis (RAOP), and Yaroslavl State Medical University (YSMU), the event aimed to raise awareness about osteoporosis prevention as part of the 2024 World Osteoporosis Day campaign.

Held under the motto “Say NO to Fragile Bones”, this year’s competition marked the eleventh iteration of the initiative, which operates under the auspices of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), Osteorus and RAOP. For the first time the exhibition of drawings “Artificial Intelligence in the Fight for Healthy Bones” was organized in one of the buildings of the medical school. 

A Showcase of Talent and Advocacy
The exhibition drew participation from over 120 young artists representing various schools and organizations, including the Nekrasov English language school № 4,  Middle school № 52,  Yaroslavl Region State Institution  “Children's Home” Solnechny”, Foreign Language Studio ‘LingvArts’, Children’s Art School № 5,  Municipal institution of Extra-Curricular Education ‘Rodnik’,  Center of Animation  Work ‘Perspektiva’, Municipal Extra-Curricular Education Institution ‘Palace of Pioneers’, Art studio ‘Firebird’ in the House of Culture ‘Gamma’ and Yaroslavl Pedagogical College.

Their creative interpretations of the competition’s theme attracted attention from students, educators, and visitors alike.
The children’s artwork, which combined imaginative designs with messages about healthy lifestyles and bone health, will be featured in the 2025 calendar published by Osteorus. These annual calendars, which also include expert osteoporosis prevention tips, have become a signature project of the organization, reinforcing its mission year after year.

A Festive Awards Ceremony
On December 12, 2024, the winners and participants gathered for a festive ceremony at YSMU. Distinguished guests included Olga Ershova, Professor and a Doctor of Medical Sciences; Olga Khitrova, a Deputy of the Yaroslavl Regional Duma; and Sergey Semenov, representative of the Ombudsman for Children's Rights in the region. The distinguished guests commended the winners and diploma holders of the competition. All the guests were presented with the children’s art calendar to commemorate the event. 

Professor Ershova emphasized the importance of educational outreach in combating osteoporosis, highlighting the ongoing efforts of Osteorus and RAOP to promote bone health across Russia.

The celebration also featured an amateur concert by schoolchildren and students, a tasting of calcium-rich dairy products, and a

distribution of scarves and badges courtesy of local dairy producer Yarmolprod. The event drew more than 100 children, along with their teachers and parents, underscoring the community’s enthusiastic support for the cause.

Recognizing Dedication
Two large families were recognized for their years of dedication to the competition and its themes. They received letters of appreciation from Mikhail Krupin, Ombudsman for Children's Rights in the Yaroslavl Region. Additionally, 40 educators were honoured with certificates for their commitment to promoting osteoporosis prevention among young people.

Strengthening Partnerships
An important milestone resulting from the ongoing work in the field of osteoporosis prevention and healthy lifestyle was the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between between the Public Organizations “Russian Association on Osteoporosis” and Osteorus,  Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Yaroslavl State Medical University” (YMSU) of the Ministry of Health of Russia, and the Yaroslavl Regional Branch of the “Union of Women of Russia”. This agreement reinforces collaboration in the fight against osteoporosis and other socially significant health issues.

The Rector of YSMU, Professor and Russian Academy of Medical Sciences academician A. L. Khokhlov, emphasized the great importance of interaction and cooperation of public and patient organizations with medical associations, which are aimed at preventing many socially significant diseases, including osteoporosis.  

A Creative Call to Action
The “Artificial Intelligence in the Fight for Healthy Bones” competition not only showcased the artistic talents of Yaroslavl’s youth, but also served as a creative platform to educate the community about bone health.

As the event grows in scope and impact, it continues to inspire action and collaboration, proving that art and health can be powerful allies in building a stronger, healthier society.

Contributed by Victoria Sotskova and Galina Evstifeeva on behalf of IOF member society Osteorus

More pictures from the event...