On October 15-17, Chornobay in Cherkasy region hosted the 15th Open para-swimming tournament for children with disabilities as part of the Donetsk region spartakiad program “Believe in yourself,” with prizes awarded in the name of Viktor Smyrnov, Hero of Ukraine and honored master of sports of Ukraine.
The competition is traditionally held with the support of the Donetsk regional state administration, the regional state administration’s Department of physical culture and sports, the Donetsk regional “Invasport” center, and the Donetsk regional children’s and youth sports school for people with disabilities.
The fifteenth Viktor Smyrnov prize tournament brought together 63 athletes from 11 regions of Ukraine and the city of Kyiv. The history of the competition dates back to 2006 in Khartsyzsk. Subsequently, the tournament was traditionally hosted by Donetsk, where it was last held in February 2014. From 2018 to 2020, the competition was held in Sloviansk, and since 2024, it has been hosted by the Cherkasy region.
During the opening ceremony, Kostyantyn Shevchenko, head of the Donetsk regional center for physical culture and sports for people with disabilities “Invasport,” expressed sincere gratitude to the Cherkasy region on behalf of the Donetsk regional leadership, athletes, and coaches for their hospitality and for creating the necessary conditions to host the traditional tournament. Support for organizing the event was provided by the Cherkasy regional state administration, the Chornobaivka village council, as well as numerous partners and sponsors.
The participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Ukrainian Defense Forces for making it possible – even amid the war – to hold sporting events, train, compete, and raise a young generation that is strong in spirit and resilient in the face of adversity. Those present observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of those who fell in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
As is tradition, the tournament began with exhibition swims by service members, veterans of the Russia-Ukraine war, and combatants. Interacting with these defenders helped the young athletes gain an even deeper appreciation of who makes it possible for them to train, compete, and live in a free country. At the same time, the sincerity, energy, and thirst for victory displayed by the young participants served as an important source of positive emotions and support for the military personnel and veterans who are undergoing rehabilitation and adapting to civilian life.
The top participants in the tournament received valuable gifts from the competition’s initiator, Viktor Smirnov – a Hero of Ukraine and honored master of sports of Ukraine, who, throughout his athletic career, won 6 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals at the Paralympic Games, as well as a number of awards at World and European championships.
Winners and medalists in two separate age categories – for boys and girls – were awarded certificates and medals.