Sports and Reading: Expanding Knowledge Horizons

Prominent sports figures in Ukraine have come together to support a new social-educational initiative called «Sports and Reading». The project's launch took place at the Gulliver shopping mall during the «Books and Art Fest», as announced by Yulia Khan, the director of the Youth and Sports Department of the Kyiv City State Administration.

Olympic champions and celebrated athletes participated in the project, representing Ukraine on the global stage. Notable participants included Marina and Vlada Alexieva, Yuliya Bakastova, Oleg Vernyayev, and many others.

The project’s photographs were taken by military serviceman and portrait photographer Oleg Palchik, with makeup artistry provided by Alina Vizirska.

«Reading is a critical exercise for the mind, helping to make decisions and overcome challenges. Great athletes are shaped not only by hard work but also by the knowledge gained from books. Reading is a tool that, like sports, builds character and opens new opportunities,» stated Yulia Khan.

She further emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to encourage youth to lead an active lifestyle and find a balance between physical and personal development through reading.

During the panel discussion titled «Sports and Reading: Breaking Stereotypes», moderated by Ukrainian TV host and journalist Marichka Padalco, athletes shared their reading habits and recommended their favorite books that inspire them.

«Reading is a powerful tool, especially when spoken about by champions. Sports entail not just physical endurance but also strategy, discipline, and knowledge. We aim to engage youth in the culture of smart habits – combining sports with reading, as true victories begin not only on the training field but also in books that inspire and shape character,» remarked Olympic gymnast Oleg Vernyayev.

In March, the project hosted literary readings by athletes in libraries across Kyiv, attended by over a thousand students. This initiative will continue in April, and the «Sports and Reading» photo project will be exhibited in various locations around Kyiv.

The project is organized by the Center for Athlete Support with the assistance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Youth and Sports Department of the Kyiv City State Administration.