On September 10, a new sports complex named 'LokoChoko' was inaugurated in the Solomianskyi district of Kyiv. This is the first fully inclusive space in Ukraine that ensures accessibility for residents, military personnel, and youth.
The project was funded by the Howard Buffett Foundation, coordinated by 'Ukrzaliznytsia'.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPORTS
This complex, which had long been abandoned, is now revitalized with a significant social mission to serve as an adaptation space through sports for veterans and the younger generation.
'This stadium in Chokolivka had been neglected for decades. A nearby school informed us that children had nowhere to play soccer. We shared this story with Howard, and he supported the creation of such an inclusive sports space. This place will now help children and veterans adapt through sports,' said Oleksandr Pertzovsky, the head of 'Ukrzaliznytsia'.
He noted that there are currently about 12,000 railway workers serving on the front lines, with one and a half thousand already returned. Therefore, the establishment of such spaces is crucial not only for Kyiv residents but also for veterans.
The complex features a modern football field, a training facility, multipurpose courts for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball, outdoor exercise equipment, sanitary zones, and amenities.
VIEWS OF VETERANS AND ATHLETES
Among the first visitors was veteran Artem Kovalchuk, a fighter from the 112th brigade of the Territorial Defense. Since the full-scale invasion began, he defended Kyiv and later fought in Kharkiv and Donetsk. In March 2023, he sustained severe injuries near Bakhmut.
'Oh, I’ve had many surgeries; I lost count. First an amputation, then a re-amputation, fragments were removed... Long months in hospitals, a new life, so to speak,' recalls Artem.
More than a year ago, he received a prosthesis. Despite his experiences, he actively engages in sports: he trains regularly and participates in competitions. Recently, he and his veteran team won second place in dragon boat racing, just slightly behind the active military.
About the new complex, the veteran expresses gratitude but also points out some shortcomings: 'Honestly? The surface isn’t suitable for playing basketball in wheelchairs. Sit in a chair, try to roll on this surface, and then on regular flooring — you'll feel the difference.'
Despite this, Artem emphasizes the importance of having barrier-free spaces: 'It’s great that such complexes are opening. This is a chance for us to train, regain strength, and find new meaning in sports.'
Andrii, a member of the Ukrainian national wheelchair basketball team, shares a similar perspective: 'Well, it's a bit uncomfortable here because the surface isn't quite right. It should be smooth like parquet, but this one is more grippy.'
Despite the remarks, Andrii plans to visit the new complex:
'If I’m invited — I will go. I play on a team, so if the team goes, I will go with them.'
Andrii is originally from Donetsk, and after the war began in 2014, he moved to Irpin and later to Borodyanka, where he currently lives. He took up sports in 2020 when he was invited to the basketball club 'Kyiv Lions'. Today, he is a player on the national team.
'We recently won second place in international competitions in Bulgaria. Soon we are heading to Latvia,' says the basketball player.
The revitalization of 'LokoChoko' has not only become a symbol of returning a neglected space to life but also an example of how infrastructure can contribute to the recovery of individuals.
Here, sports connect generations, assist veterans in rehabilitation, and create conditions for youth development. 'Ukrzaliznytsia' along with its partners emphasizes that even during wartime, investments in barrier-free spaces are investments in the future of the community and the country.