Winners announced for the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” contest
Fifteen adaptive sports clubs in communities across eight regions of Ukraine will receive nearly UAH 6 million. The winners were selected by the experts of the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” social initiatives competition from 117 applications. Initially, the competition aimed to support 10 adaptive clubs. However, during the review stage, additional benefactors joined the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” project, increasing the competition’s budget.
Since the beginning of the year, 30 adaptive sports clubs have begun operating in Ukraine, providing opportunities for people with disabilities, including veterans, to engage in sports, join the local sports community, and be active participants. With the addition of the winners from the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” competition, there will be a total of 45 adaptive sports clubs. Expanding the number of these institutions will contribute to fostering a culture of healthy living among community residents.
Matvii Bidnyi, head of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, says: “Over 30 adaptive clubs are already successfully operating in Ukraine, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in sports and health-promoting physical activities. This initiative is a crucial step towards enhancing accessibility and support for veterans, and individuals with injuries and disabilities. We plan to expand the number of adaptive clubs across Ukraine, as sports and physical activity are vital for the rehabilitation process.”
As a result of the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” competition, 15 towns and villages will receive funding of up to 400,000 hryvnias each. They raised an additional 200,000 hryvnias from their communities as a contribution. The funds will be used to purchase sports equipment, cover the coach’s salary, and equip the facilities.
Oleksandr Pakholiuk, director of the “MHP-Gromadi” Charitable Foundation, says: “This project is not just about communities being open to people with disabilities and veterans; it’s also about the ability to negotiate and find partners. After all, “Time to Act, Unstoppable” is primarily a project focused on partnership and securing co-financing. A significant portion of the project relies on contributions from the community, local businesses, local government representatives, and proactive residents. It requires negotiating, communicating, and getting everyone interested in the idea. However, those who push through challenges and keep moving forward are the ones who succeed. The projects selected by experts will not only receive funding but also gain the support of their community, as nothing brings people together like working toward a common goal.”
The Fedir Shpyg Charitable Foundation, known for supporting sports initiatives and promoting sports among children and youth, also contributed to the competition’s budget. As a result, instead of funding 10 projects, we were able to support 15.
Tetiana Volochay, Head of the Community Development Council of the “MHP-Gromadi” Charitable Foundation, explains: “At a meeting of Ukrainian civil society organizations, we were able to find like-minded partners, which allowed us to increase the number of supported projects with the help of the Fedir Shpyg Foundation. As a result, the capacity of the competition has expanded and the number of adaptive clubs supported by the “MHP-Gromadi” Charitable Foundation has increased. This further proves that the partnership between business, community, and government creates powerful synergy.”
Andrii Rebryna, director of the State Institution “All-Ukrainian Center for Physical Health of the Population “Sports for All,” says: “Today, our state needs to be stronger and more resilient than ever, and this applies to every Ukrainian. Physical education and sports are essential for cultivating these qualities, as they also help people develop self-discipline, perseverance, and willpower. All of this contributes to building a healthy nation. That’s why we’re committed to making sports accessible to everyone who wants to stay active, live a dynamic life, and inspire others.”
Funds will be disbursed in August this year, with project implementation set for September-December 2024.