A football tournament dedicated to the Memory Day of the Illovaisk Tragedy took place at the Kyiv National Technical College named after Victor Bannikov. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Football Association, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, "Kyiv Military Hub," and the Kyiv City Center for Physical Culture and Sports for People with Disabilities "Invasport."

Traditionally, teams of military personnel and veterans participate in this event. For them, sports are an important part of rehabilitation. Participating in such competitions helps them regain physical fitness, strengthen team spirit, receive emotional support from like-minded individuals, and serve as effective psychological relief, reducing stress levels and allowing them to partially distance themselves from the heavy memories and experiences associated with war. Thus, the tournament has not only a sporting but also significant social and rehabilitative value.

Photo by "Kyiv Military Hub" press service

This year, eight teams took part in the competition:

— FC «Patriot»;

— "Friends and Brothers";

— "Vovkulaks";

— "Alliance";

— "Fire Brigade";

— FC «Omega»;

— "Titan";

— VCh 22 60.

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Ruslan Prykhodko addressed the participants, thanking them for defending the country and noting that the ministry will always support such events and initiatives.

Photo by "Kyiv Military Hub" press service

According to the regulations, participants were divided into two groups of four teams each. The winners of the quartets met in the final, while the second-placed teams from the groups played for third place.

Match for 3rd Place

"Titan" — FC "Patriot" — 4:2

Final

"Vovkulaks" — VCh 22 60 — 2:2, pen. 2:3

The winners and prize-winners received cups and medals.

Photo by "Kyiv Military Hub" press service

Individual nominations:

— best goalkeeper — Maxim Shavinskyi ("Titan");

— best defender — Artem Cheberko (VCh 22 60);

— best forward — Andriy Babenko (FC "Patriot");

— best player — Dmytro Gordus ("Vovkulaks").