EU and UNDP restore Mykolaiv Sports University, known for training Olympic champions

The Mykolaiv College of Sports has opened its doors for the first time in three years after extensive renovations supported by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The revitalisation, part of a joint initiative by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, allows 308 students and 92 teachers to resume face-to-face classes, which are crucial for professional athletes. This is the 18th year in a row.^th Educational institution restored as part of the “EU4UASchools: Build Back Better” project.

The facility is known for training professional athletes, including world champions such as Olga Harlan (fencing), Oleksandr Satin (trampolining), Olena Khomrova (fencing) and Oleh Mashkin (boxing). Over the years, 30 graduates of the school have participated in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the facility has been severely damaged. The blast wave hit the facade, roof, walls, floor, windows and interior doors, leaving the school partially destroyed.

Through the joint efforts of the EU and UNDP, the school was renovated according to the ‘Build Back Better’ principle to create a safe and conducive environment that meets standards for energy efficiency, sustainability and inclusivity. The initiative included replacing the ceiling and floor, installing new windows, repairing electrical and ventilation systems, renovating the facade and shelter, and retrofitting classrooms. Following the extensive repairs, a new generation of athletes will be able to train in renovated halls and classrooms for years to come.

Maciej Popowski, Director General of the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operationsstressed the European Union’s unwavering commitment to providing Ukrainian children with an education in a safe and supportive environment.”EEducation is the Cornerstone of the Future Of Ukraine. With everybody School rebuilt and every child return to the classroom, we take a step towards a successful future for this childfor Ukraine and for Europe. That is why the European Union, in cooperation with partners such as UNDP, is doing everything it can to ensure that children in Ukraine can study and, in the case of this Mykolaiv Lyceum, continue their sports education. I am confident that we will soon see their successes on the sports fields and arenas of the world,” he said.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Permanent Representative in Ukrainestressed the importance of the project for the entire reconstruction process of Ukraine. “This rebuilt school is more than just a building; it is a testament to the ongoing reconstruction of Ukraine, made possible by our joint efforts with the Ukrainian government and the European Union. It symbolizes our faith in Ukraine’s future, including its sporting achievements,” he said. “With this project, we want to help more than 27,000 students go back to school.”

Background:

The school was renovated as part of the “EU4UASchools: Build Back Better” project implemented by UNDP in Ukraine with financial support from the EU.

The project is intended to provide light repairs to 66 educational institutions and re-equip 112 educational institutions in 11 oblasts of Ukraine: Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Rivne, Odessa, Zacarpathian, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, ​​Lviv, Kirovohrad and Poltava.

Special repairs will be carried out on damaged buildings in coordination with the Ministry of Municipalities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, including light and medium repair work on schools with a damage rate of 60 percent or less. Renovation work will include installing new windows, repairing roofs and plumbing, rebuilding temporary shelters and other urgent and important works.

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications UNDP Ukraine; Email: [email protected].