Myroslava Tkachenko was born and raised in Bakhmut. In 2015, she began participating in water sports—kayaking and canoe polo (a water sport that combines paddling and ball games). Over time, these hobbies turned into serious training, and she became a member of the women’s national canoe polo team, competing in international tournaments.
Her story is told by the media portal Bahmut.in.ua. Although Myroslava moved to Kyiv, she often returned to her hometown of Bakhmut. Her main job was remote, so she was able to pursue her activities in both cities. So in 2021, she decided to establish a canoe polo club in Bakhmut using grant funds. She planned to launch classes for children in the summer of 2022 on the waterfront. But these plans were derailed by the war.
Myroslava Tkachenko has been playing canoe polo and coaching children for over ten years. She took a break for the past two years to focus on helping the military. Now, the coach is gradually resuming classes for children ages 8 to 15, including children from Bakhmut families who are currently living in Kyiv.
The coach offers two types of canoe polo sessions. These can be one-time training sessions that children can attend as they wish, or full-fledged team practices three times a week. This format is suitable for those who want to develop their skills in this sport.
“The children and their parents choose the format. And the most valuable thing is the children’s first achievements, which come very quickly: their first time paddling across the bay on their own, their first roll in a kayak, their first goal scored. During practice, we play a lot of active games in the water. It’s always full of excitement, positive emotions, and genuine joy,” says the coach.
According to the coach, canoe polo classes can provide a child not only with overall athletic development but also help them adapt to a new environment and socialize.
“In general, water has a therapeutic effect; it’s calming. And the sport itself brings people together and instills discipline. The children get to know each other and socialize more. Moreover, it’s a team sport, so they support one another and eventually form their own special little group,” says Myroslava Tkachenko.
Miroslava Tkachenko’s story is an example of resilience, a love of sports, and a desire to create new opportunities for children even in the most difficult times—a story that proves that no matter where people from Donetsk find themselves, they continue to develop their talents, support children, and bring honor to their homeland.
Today, her training sessions are not just about sports and physical development. They are a space for friendship, teamwork, support, and new dreams. It’s especially important that, thanks to initiatives like this, children from IDP families have the opportunity to adapt to their new environment, find like-minded friends, and feel like part of a team.
The Ukrainian people are talented and indomitable!
Together toward Victory!