war story
Ukraine, Kharkiv - May 17, 2024
Sport in time of war
Sport
in time of war
aiSince my childhood, I have loved sports. And especially football. It has a special place in my life. It is the game in my heart.
aiHowever, with the beginning of the full-scale war, football has taken almost last place in the lives of Ukrainians. Even if we had time to think about sports, would it be safe to go to the games?
aiThe arena would have to have shelters for players and spectators. And if an air raid sounded, the match would need to stop. Everyone would have to go take cover. And what about the momentum of the game after returning to the field? Would they be able to pick it up again? Or if the alert lasted too long, would the match be postponed and rescheduled for another day. Would the next time be any safer than the last?
aiIt was unclear whether sports competitions could be held. Still, the football club owners said loud and clear: "Football should not disappear. The football championship should be played in Ukraine." These were their statements from the spring of 2022.
I believe football can also show Ukrainians are a strong united family that works together to win.
aiOn 30 May 2022, Ukrainian parliamentarian Zhan Beleniuk issued a decree from the ministry allowing the competitions to take place but without spectators. He is a strong and brave person, Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling as well as politician. In 2019, he became the first black member of the Ukrainian Parliament.
aiOne issue is that there are a lot of players from the different teams on the frontline. Still, as a football family, they began to hold games. The matches show we stand by the military at this hard time for our country. In fact, President Zelensky personally expressed his desire to see football in Ukraine, live and flourishing.
aiThe first military season of 2022-2023 took place. Yes, completely without spectators but incredibly 16 teams participated. Each match started with a symbolic first kick by a military person.
ai
aiAnd now in this season of 2024, most clubs have managed to receive permission from local military administrations to accommodate spectators in limited numbers.
ai
aiAnd now in this season of 2024, most clubs have managed to receive permission from local military administrations to accommodate spectators in limited numbers.
aiI'm so happy football is alive and going strong. I believe it shows how Ukrainians are a strong united family that is going to win together, the game and the war!
The damaged Stadion "Desna" football club. Chernihiv 2022
The ruined Stadion in Chernihiv
Fragments of the broken stadium stand
Children's training in Kharkiv 2024. Football club ‘Master of the Ball’. I spent several years at this club. Photo by Oleksandr Osipov
The damaged Stadion "Desna" football club. Chernihiv 2022
The ruined Stadion in Chernihiv
Fragments of the broken stadium stand
