"Open Football Festivals" in Chernivtsi Oblast
In Zhivkovichi, the champion of the Paratrooper Forces Football Hall team of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was determined. Note: There seems to be a discrepancy in the place name "Житомир" (Zhytomyr) and "Десантно-штурмових військ" which might not directly translate to "Zhivkovichi". However, since "У Житомирі" specifically mentions Zhytomyr, I've kept the place name as is. The term "Десантно-штурмових військ" refers to Paratrooper Forces. Given the instruction to not alter names and to transliterate if unsure, I have provided a natural translation while preserving the original intent and proper nouns as accurately as possible. If "Zhivkovichi" was intended instead of Zhytomyr, it should be clarified in the source text.
From January 25 to 27, the strongest assembled teams of Ukrainian airborne units competed for the championship title.
Photo from zhoff.org.ua
The tournament took place in the capital of the Airborne Assault Forces, the city of Zhytomyr, at the sports and health complex FOK. Nine teams from units of the Airborne Assault Forces participated in the championship, with over 150 participants from all over Ukraine. All athletes are participants of ATO/OSO.
On January 25, the championship began with a solemn ceremony for the assembled teams, raising the State Flag and performing the National Anthem of Ukraine. After this, important guests, including the head of the Zhytomyr Oblast Football Association Ruslan Pavlyuk, wished the participants an interesting and fair sporting competition.
Photos zhoff.org.ua
The Commander of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Brigadier General Maxim Myrogordskyi noted:
"For several years in a row now, the championship of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is traditionally held in Zhytomyr, the capital of Ukrainian paratroopers. And I am glad to welcome today on this sports arena the best football players of our special forces. I am one hundred percent sure that here gathered are the best and most prepared players and the strongest teams.
I would like to note that this football field is not just a football pitch, but first and foremost a unique place for psychological rehabilitation for us, military personnel, where we can rest our minds and relieve stress after intense combat service.
Many of our guys who used to live for football, were active players, had achievements in this sport and entered our sports teams, unfortunately will never be present at these football matches... War takes the best...
After that, those present honored the memory of fallen soldiers with a minute of silence.
The Commander of the Airborne Forces also wished all participants of the championship good luck, patience, good results and fair uncompromising play.
Photos zhoff.org.ua
In turn, the head of physical training and sports management of the Airborne Forces Command Major Dmitry Borovskyi informed that before the championship competitions in football took place among units of the Airborne Forces, and to Zhytomyr came the best from the best. Soon the team of winners will represent the Airborne Forces at the Armed Forces of Ukraine's Football Championship.
Photos zhoff.org.ua
According to the results of the championship, first place and the right to call themselves champions of the Airborne Forces of Ukraine in football was won by the "Patriot" team - 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade. Second place went to the "Storm" team - Command of the Airborne Forces of Ukraine. The honorable third place went to the "Dome" team - 95th Separate Paratrooper Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The award ceremony was attended by the head of the oblast council Volodymyr Fedorenko, deputy commander of the Airborne Forces of Ukraine Brigadier General Oleksiy Shandar, member of the President's Council of the Ukrainian Football Association Valentin Latyпов
