Žilina 7th November (TASR). The renovated gymnasium building was reopened on Monday for the 5th Special Forces Regiment in Žilina. According to Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď (OĽANO), the ministry financed an investment of two million euros from its own resources.

     He added that after the reconstruction, a top of the range sports center with a gym, fitness center and rehabilitation unit was created. "Compared to 2020, we are putting four to five times more money into allowing soldiers to work, live and operate in decent conditions. In this way, we will continue to do so. Here in Žilina alone, we plan to invest almost 15 million euros in infrastructure repairs in the next two years," said Minister Naď.

     The reconstruction of the gymnasium was also appreciated by the former commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, Brigadier General Branislav Benka. "I entered the gates of the 5th Regiment in 1995 and served here in various positions. I remember the gym we used. We dealt with problems on our own. Then it was in disrepair, because the roof did not meet safety standards. The Ministry of Defense has allocated resources, and the gym, which is the alpha and omega for the preparation of Special Forces operators, is being renovated. It can be used by members of the 5th Regiment and entire Special Operations Forces," said Brigadier General Benka.