In Kolomyia, the children's festival "Open Football Lessons" took place

We barely had time to catch our breath from the football festival in Kosovo when Kolomyia had already joined the project.

In Kolomyia, the children's festival "Open Football Lessons" took place

Photo from ifff.if.ua

On November 8, at the football field of local Lyceum No. 1 named after Vasyl Stefanyk, the festival "Open Football Lessons" took place. A wonderful football event for communication and establishing friendly ties between children of internally displaced persons and local children was organized by the Ukrainian Football Association, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association, Kolomyia District Football Association, and the local community leadership.

Photo ifff.if.ua

With welcoming words to the attendees, Taras Klim, first deputy head of the oblast football association, and Taras Yavorsky, head of Kolomyia District Football Association, noted in their speeches that this project involves not only future players but also future coaches, volunteers, fans, and all those who will want to become part of the football process and come to the stadium. At the same time, participants and schools receive a large amount of sports equipment: footballs, jerseys, gloves, cones, flags, pumps, nets, ropes, and equipment for teachers.

Photo ifff.if.ua

After the ceremonial part, the stadium was completely handed over to children. The festival, where volunteers were physical education teachers, psychologists, and a nurse, began with an energetic warm-up. The football field was divided into 12 sectors, each of which hosted various activities such as sports exercises, relay races, strength competitions, and football drills.

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At two stations, meetings with police officers and DSNSS (State Emergency Service) took place. Conducting active events and communicating with children gives the opportunity for DSNSS professionals to prevent emergencies that arise due to childhood naivety and carelessness. From their side, rescue service workers informed students about the causes of fires and their consequences, reminded them of safety rules they need to follow at home, on the street, in public places, and during rest outdoors, as well as told them about safe behavior when encountering suspicious items or old ammunition.

Photo ifff.if.ua

The cheerful mood of the football celebration was accompanied by musical accompaniment. Children happily participated in contests, games, and performed various exercises under the guidance of their mentors. In addition to local children, "Open Football Lessons" were attended by children from internally displaced persons across Ukraine.

Photo ifff.if.ua

And most importantly, children felt safe and had a pleasant and beneficial time together. Because the goal of "Open Football Lessons" is to support the protection of children who are temporarily residing in western regions of Ukraine, unaccompanied children, orphans, and other vulnerable children affected by war.