On June 3 at Lev Brovarsky Stadium in Sambir, an open training session took place for participants of the All-Ukrainian health and rehabilitation project "Carpathian Change." President of the Ukrainian Football Association Andriy Shevchenko, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Viktor Mykyta, and Head of the Lviv Regional State Administration Maxim Kozitsky came to greet the children and chat with them.

Together with the children of defenders — participants from Sumy and Kharkiv regions — guests joined team activities with elements of football. Currently, 200 children from frontline areas are undergoing health improvement in Lviv region.

Viktor Mykyta, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine: «In just a few days since the start of the initiative, children have already united into one big community. It was pleasant to feel the atmosphere in the camp and see good interaction and mutual respect.»

Andriy Shevchenko, President of the UAF: «Football unites and helps move forward even in the most difficult times. It is important for the UAF that children who have experienced the challenges of war have the opportunity to rest, find new friends, feel support, and regain their childhood joy. Sports not only strengthen health but also shape character.»

About the "Carpathian Change" project

"Carpathian Change" is a joint initiative of the UAF and regional military administrations supported by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The project combines psychological support with sports and team activities. In organizing team activities, the Ukrainian Football Association is assisted by its partner for football training in "Carpathian Change" camps — FC Metalist 1925.

For many children from frontline areas, this is an opportunity to be in a safe place for at least a short time, rest, find new friends, and regain some of their normal childhood. In June, special camps started for children aged 9–12 years old in the territories of Zakarpattya, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi regions.

Overall, the program covers 13 regions, over 200 educators and more than 1700 children will participate for 28 days. Its goal is to form a positive attitude towards group and team activities in children from frontline areas and create real conditions for psychoemotional recovery through participation in community life.