Brass, enamels; the medallion measures 32.8 mm in height incl. eyelet, 29.7 mm in width; overall height with suspension is approx. 43.5 mm. The red center portion has the insignia of the Zarnitsa Military and Sports Games of the Soviet Youth. The inscription in Latvian on the green background at the bottom is Par Panākumiem ("For Achievements"). The top shows the name Kavi of the Latvian branch of the games and the Roman numeral "X" for the 10th anniversary since their establishment.

In excellent condition. The enamel has some manufacturing imperfections but no significant w

Brass, enamels; the medallion measures 32.8 mm in height incl. eyelet, 29.7 mm in width; overall height with suspension is approx. 43.5 mm. The red center portion has the insignia of the Zarnitsa Military and Sports Games of the Soviet Youth. The inscription in Latvian on the green background at the bottom is Par Panākumiem ("For Achievements"). The top shows the name Kavi of the Latvian branch of the games and the Roman numeral "X" for the 10th anniversary since their establishment.

In excellent condition. The enamel has some manufacturing imperfections but no significant wear of any kind.

The badge was issued to one of the organizers of the Military and Sports Games Zartnitsa ("Distant Lightning") in Latvian SSR. The games were initially conceived in the early 60s as a recreational activity for the Soviet kids taking a vacation in summer Young Pioneer camps. In 1967, Zarnitsa games were officially established throughout the Soviet Union and came under the control of the Central Committee of the VLKSM Communist Youth league. Henceforth, they were closely curated by the Soviet military. The children participating in the games varied in age from 6 years to early teens. The games included competitions in marching, sports, and patriotic songs. The main event however was a very realistic battle that took place in the wilderness outside the camp, usually between two large groups of kids approximately equal in numbers and evenly representing all the age groups. The games always started well before dawn. Organized into military-like squads and platoons, the groggy but determined opposing sides would seek out and "destroy" the "enemy soldiers" by ripping off their makeshift paper shoulder straps (often with physical altercations but always under the watchful eye of the camp counselors). The "soldiers" who lost their straps were considered "dead" and were out of the game. The side that collected the larger number of enemy shoulder straps or captured the flag was declared the winner.

Please note, the penny in our photo is for size reference.
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