Since the start of the full-scale war, Lviv Polytechnic has become a haven for many young Ukrainians and their families who have been forced to flee their homes. But even in such a difficult situation, no one canceled summer leisure for children. The grand opening of playgrounds on the territory of the Polytechnic Sports Complex took place on June 10. Yurii Bobalo, Rector of the University, and Roman Korzh, Vice-Rector for Education and Social Development, attended the event and presented T-shirts with alma mater symbols to the Polytechnic volunteers.
«I thank everyone who is volunteering today. We live in difficult times, but the long-awaited victory will come. Over the years, your volunteer work will become a valuable treasure. After all, the children, who are now running around the square, will always remember the good. So be healthy, loved and needed by children who look at you with great hope in their eyes», said Yurii Bobalo.
Together with Lviv Polytechnic, the Hungarian Interchurch Aid and the Lviv Regional Branch of the Committee for Physical Education and Sports of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine joined the implementation of the charity project. As part of the event, volunteers organized sports classes and introductory workshops for children of all ages. Sweets and gifts from benefactors caused sincere joy in the children. The urgency and importance of the project was emphasized by Anatolii Ihnatovych, Associate Professor, Head of the Lviv Regional Branch of the Committee for Physical Education and Sports of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, External Relations Manager of the Hungarian Interchurch Aid.
«People fleeing the war need more than just food and basic clothing. First of all, they need leisure to psychologically abstract from the events they have experienced. We try to help IDPs socially and psychologically adapt to current realities. Sport is one of the elements of emotional relief. Children and their parents will be able to practice their sports skills. This will help them distract from thoughts of war», said the Associate Professor.
The sports space will function during the summer. Volunteers will hold master classes in cornhole, korfball, speedminton, mini-football and table tennis for everyone.
«Students of Lviv Polytechnic are actively involved in volunteering. They will organize themed workshops and summer sports games for IDPs. Those students who want to volunteer at our Center can come to us. We will be happy to help them join the project», added Anatolii Ihnatovych.
Such events give confidence in the future, because children are convinced that their future is in safe hands.
