The Khmelnytsky region has joined the social project of the Ukrainian Football Association and the Khmelnytsky Regional Football Association "Open Football Lessons". The project was implemented in the Novoukhizhyn community at a local stadium.

The opening ceremony of the festival began with the National Anthem of Ukraine. A moment of silence honored the memory of soldiers who died fighting for our freedom.

The sports event was opened by the deputy head of the Khmelnytsky Regional Football Association, Mykola Kuznetsov, the mayor of Novoukhizhyn United Territorial Community, Anatoliy Oliynyk, his deputy Petro Mazur, and the head of education, youth and sports department of the Novoukhizhyn City Council, Margarita Vlasova.

Photos by the press service of UAF

The leader of volunteers and coordinator of the sports event was Oleksandr Tsimbalyuk, who previously completed special training with the Ukrainian Football Association for leaders of mass football.

Children from Novoukhizhyn community participated in the project — representatives of 11 educational institutions, namely: Volhovec, Zamikhivska, Kuchanska, Novoukhizhyn No. 2, Otrokytska general secondary schools, Zelenokurylovetske, Novoukhizhyn, Strozheve lyceums, Brylyavsko, Kapustyansk and Pesetsk gymnasia. After the event, children said they had a fun time and thanked the organizers for the sports festival.

Photos by the press service of UAF

On sports and entertainment corners, physical education teachers Igor Maglona, Igor Melnyk, Oleksandr Dubynivych, Vasyl Panasyuk, Ivan Huyvan worked with children. They conducted various games and developmental exercises. On the mine safety corner, Vladyslav Batsura worked with children teaching them how to prevent danger.

All participants of "Open Football Lessons" were awarded diplomas from the Ukrainian Football Association, also as a keepsake, children received football shirts in which they participated in the festival, and schools — a large amount of sports equipment for further activities.

Photos by the press service of UAF

The Ukrainian Football Association project "Open Football Lessons" (Open Fun Football Schools) with support from UEFA is:

• psychosocial support for children of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, internally displaced persons' children, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment, participants regardless of ability level or gender, as well as inclusion of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football — joy from the game instead of results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• fostering volunteerism;
• activating local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons and others).

All project events are held in regions with the approval of regional military administrations.