Andriy Horobets, a participant in the regional “Young Person of the Year 2026” contest in the “Called to Save” category
In the category 'Called to Save' of the regional competition 'Young Person of the Year – 2026', Donetsk is represented by Andriy, a rescuer from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, who carries out his professional duties daily in frontline Sloviansk.
Andriy was born in 2000 in Sloviansk. It was here that his life values, love for his native land, and desire to dedicate his life to serving people were formed. During his school years, he was actively involved in football, representing the city in the Donetsk region championship with the teams FC Sloviansk and FC Slovkhlib. Sport instilled in him discipline, endurance, and responsibility. In 2022, Andriy graduated from the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine and began serving in the SES unit. Since the start of the full-scale war, he has been working with his colleagues to deal with the consequences of enemy shelling, extinguish fires, free people from rubble, evacuate civilians, and provide assistance to those affected.
For courage and devoted service, he was awarded the medal 'For a Saved Life' (2023) and the President of Ukraine's honour 'For the Defence of Ukraine' (2026). Participating in the 'Young Person of the Year' contest is an opportunity for Andriy to represent all Ukrainian rescuers who save others every day, risking their own lives and staying true to their calling.