Prominent athletes have joined forces to support a new educational project called «Sports Read». The launch took place at the Gulliver shopping center during the «Books and Art Fest», as announced by Yulia Khan, the director of the Youth and Sports Department of Kyiv City State Administration.

Among the participants were Olympic champions and sports stars who represent Ukraine globally, including Marina and Vlada Alexieva, Yuliya Bakastova, Oleg Vernyayev, and others.

The photography was done by military service member Oleg Palchyk, while makeup was provided by Alina Vizyirska.

Yulia Khan remarked, «Reading is a workout for the mind, aiding in decision-making and overcoming challenges. Great athletes are shaped not only by hard work but also by the knowledge gained outside the field.»

The initiative aims to engage youth in an active lifestyle and teach them to find a balance between physical development and personal growth through reading.

During the panel discussion titled «Sports and Reading: Breaking Stereotypes», moderated by popular journalist Marichka Padalko, athletes shared their reading habits and recommended books that motivate them.

Oleg Vernyayev emphasized, «Reading is power, especially when champions talk about it. Sports encompass not just physical endurance but also strategy, discipline, and knowledge. We aim to engage youth in cultivating smart habits by combining sports and reading.»

Throughout March, literary readings were held in libraries and schools in Kyiv, reaching over a thousand students. This initiative will continue in April, with the «Sports Read» photo exhibition moving to various locations across Kyiv.

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