The Donetsk Regional Center for Tourism and Local History for Schoolchildren held the fourth stage of the Donetsk Regional Orienteering Championship for Schoolchildren, “DonOrientChamp,” and the Gennadiy Kolisnyk Memorial Cup, “The Leader’s Path”—an open regional orienteering competition—in Kropyvnytskyi.
The event was a landmark for the region’s sports community, as these were the first in-person regional competitions in a forest park area held since the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of the full-scale war launched by Russia against Ukraine.
A total of 120 athletes participated in the competitions. On the courses, they demonstrated a high level of physical fitness, the ability to quickly analyze situations, navigate the terrain, and make decisions under time pressure. For many young participants, these races provided an opportunity to test their abilities, gain new experience, and experience the true atmosphere of athletic competition.
The event took on special significance as it was dedicated to the memory of Hennadiy Kolisnyk—a longtime head of the Donetsk Regional Center for Tourism and Local History for Schoolchildren, an educator, mentor, and organizer who made a significant contribution to the development of youth tourism and orienteering. With the start of the full-scale invasion, he stood up to defend Ukraine and gave his life for its freedom and independence.
Gennadiy Kolisnyk’s son, Yefim, took part in the competition. Carrying on his father’s legacy and sharing his love for the sport, he achieved an outstanding result in his age group and became one of the championship’s medalists.
Sincere gratitude to the participants, coaches, judging panel, and partners—to everyone whose hard work, dedication, and energy made this event possible. May every competition open new horizons, inspire growth, and lead to new achievements and victories.