20 million has been allocated for veterans' sports in Odesa

Odessa plans to significantly increase funding for veterans’ and adaptive sports in 2027. Preliminary plans call for allocating 20 million hryvnias to this area.

This was discussed at a meeting of the Odesa City Council’s standing committee on education, sports, and cooperation with civic organizations.

Council members discussed the implementation of the city’s program for the development of physical culture and sports. According to the Department of Physical Culture and Sports, following changes to the budget, funding for this area was increased to 779,000 hryvnias in 2026.

As of the meeting, approximately 100,000 hryvnias had been spent. The remainder was planned to be allocated for competitions, training, and the purchase of equipment.

Committee members agreed that veteran and adaptive sports require greater support. Council members want to further analyze the needs of athletes and determine how to allocate funds.

Before preparing budget proposals, the Sports Department must clarify these needs and justify the planned expenditures.

The final amount for 2027 is still being worked out. During the meeting, it was emphasized that both the athletes’ needs and the city budget’s capabilities must be taken into account.

Odessa has already organized sporting events for war veterans, their families, the families of fallen soldiers, and internally displaced persons.

Specifically:

• the Children’s and Youth Sports School No. 6 hosted kayaking and dragon boat racing (races in large rowing boats) sessions;
• 120 gym memberships were purchased for veterans;
• an additional 100 pool passes were purchased.

As reported by Intent, a festival of adaptive sports for veterans took place in Odesa in July. Participants were able to try their hand at several sports disciplines and choose those that would help them with physical recovery and rehabilitation.

Ірина Глухова