This event has become a symbol of our unity, a living memorial, and a profound tribute to all the defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom, as well as an expression of boundless gratitude to our defenders—both men and women—who are currently fighting fiercely to defend our independence and protect every inch of our homeland.
The tournament brought together athletes, veterans, and representatives of the government and the public around shared values—courage, resilience, and fortitude. The competition was organized by the Mariupol District State Administration in collaboration with the district’s military administrations.
The event took place with the support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Donetsk Regional State Administration.
During the opening of the tournament, Oleksandr Panasenko, head of the Mariupol District State Administration, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech. Oleksandr Shevchenko, Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, also addressed the audience with words of greeting and wishes for a fair and spirited game, and conveyed sincere greetings from Vadym Filashkin, Head of the Donetsk Region.
Refereeing for the competition was provided by the tournament’s chief referee, Yevhen Logosha.
In a deep and reverent silence, all participants and guests honored the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders with a moment of silence. Everyone remembered those who gave the most precious thing—their lives—for the sake of our future, our freedom, and the opportunity to live and strive under the blue-and-yellow flag.
A special guest at the event was Alina Zaitseva—the daughter of the fallen Hero of Ukraine Andriy Kotsarenko (1980–2024). Alina was granted the honor of opening the competition. She made the first symbolic serve, which kicked off the tournament and served as a touching reminder of the continuity of our resilience and unbreakable spirit.
The competition was filled with memorable moments, and every game kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last second. In an uncompromising and fair competition, the spots on the podium were distributed as follows:
• 1st place — the Mariupol District team;
• 2nd place — the Pokrovsk District team;
• 3rd place — the Donetsk Oblast Veterans’ team.
In addition to the main awards, the organizers and the judging panel decided to present four special commendations for active participation, an unbreakable will to win, and a strong drive to achieve results.
The awards were presented to the athletes by Oleksandr Panasenko, Head of the Mariupol District State Administration; Volodymyr Mytsyk, Head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports; and the heads of the military administrations of the communities in the Mariupol District. They thanked the athletes for their powerful play, team unity, and unbreakable spirit, which serves as an example to everyone.
After the official proceedings concluded, an incredible culinary surprise awaited all participants and guests. Representatives of the Sartana community prepared traditional, fragrant pilaf for everyone present. The organizers also prepared a special treat for the athletes—authentic delicacies from the Azov region, which reminded everyone of home and the traditions of our region.
Based on materials from the Mariupol District Military Administration