On the 24th of April, 2009 the annual Award Ceremony of the International Competition of Computer Projects among Kids, Youth and Students was held at Saratov State Technical University. The organizers of this event note that the level of professionalism and interest in competition itself has been considerably increased.

The open International Competition of Computer Projects among Kids, Youth and Students “Digital Wind” is an annual event, traditionally held by Saratov State Technical University under the aegis of Federal Agency on Education of Russian Federation and firmly supported by Aptech Ltd. (India). One of the co-organizers of the competition is the group of companies “Softline”.

The competition “Digital Wind” was setting its sights for the eighth time this year. There were registered 2610 projects of 2422 participants from 15 countries from all over the world (Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Latvia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belorussia, Moldova, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Poland, Germany, and Australia). The winners were nominated in three different age categories: less than 12 and 12 years old, from 13 till 17 years, from 18 till 21 years. However, the youngest participant was 4 years old only.

The main objective of the competition “Digital Wind” is to raise the attractiveness of information and computer technologies and to boost the creativity among young people, to give the participants an additional chance to get experience and knowledge of how to use modern software for creating Internet-applications and Computer Animation and to improve their practical skills of using Internet-technologies and Computer Graphics. In the framework of the competition there were held master-classes of specialists in programming, Internet-technologies, Computer Graphics and Animation. More than 1000 students and pupils took part in these master-classes.

“In the modern age of IT exposure it is necessary to learn the software, but what is also important, is to be competitive, and the “Digital Wind” is a great chance for young generation to show not only their knowledge and skills, but their competitiveness as well”, said Mr. Owen Kemp, Vice-president of Hewlett-Packard, General Manager of HP Russia.

“We are amazed with the quality of the projects, presented at the competition,” said Mr. Oleg Dronov, Head of the Game Department of the “Softline” group. “It is a pleasure for us to see, that the projects of participants become more and more professional and creative, which really makes us confident in rising IT-generation. That’s why we decided to present not only 8 main awards, but plenty of special prizes as well – for the most original idea, for creativity, for professionalism, for outstanding design”.

“Digital Wind” has become a real holiday for all admires and amateurs of Computer Technologies. This competition gives participants an opportunity to show their talents and to discuss with their peers the peculiarities of using IT”, said Dr. Olga Dolinina, the chairman of the Steering Commission of the competition.

The special guests of the ceremony, among who were Prof. Alexandr Sytnik, First vice-rector of SSTU, Dr. Olga Dolinina, the chairman of the Steering Commission of the competition, Mr. Owen Kemp, Vice-president of Hewlett-Packard, General Manager of HP Russia, Mr. Oleg Dronov, Head of the Game Department of the “Softline” group, Patrik C. Desai, Deputy Manager Business Development International and other well-known IT-specialists sent their greeting speeches to all participants and wished them much success.