On September 10, the newly renovated inclusive sports complex named 'LokoChoko' was inaugurated in the Solomianskyi district of Kyiv. This is the first fully accessible stadium in Ukraine, designed to serve the community, veterans, and young people.

The project was made possible through funding from the Howard Buffett Foundation, with 'Ukrzaliznytsia' coordinating the renovations.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPORTS

The stadium had long been neglected, but it has now been revitalized with the mission to become a center for adaptation for veterans and youth through sports.

'This stadium in Chokolivka has been abandoned for decades. The neighboring school told us that children had nowhere to play football. We shared this with Howard, and he supported the creation of such an inclusive sports space that will help children and veterans adapt through sports,' said Oleksandr Pertzovsky, Chairman of 'Ukrzaliznytsia.'

Currently, about 12,000 railway workers are serving on the front lines, making the establishment of such inclusive spaces vital.

The stadium features a modern football field, a training complex, multipurpose courts for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball, outdoor fitness equipment, and sanitary areas.

VIEWS OF VETERANS AND ATHLETES

Among the first visitors was veteran Artem Kovalchuk, a fighter from the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade. After suffering a severe injury near Bakhmut, he actively engages in sports, including participating in dragon boat racing, where his team secured second place.

Artem expresses gratitude for the new complex but also emphasizes the need for improvements: 'Honestly? The surface is not suitable for playing basketball in wheelchairs. Sit in a chair and try moving on this surface, then on regular parquet — you will feel the difference.'

Despite this, Artem highlights the importance of having accessible spaces: 'It's great that such complexes are being opened. It gives us a chance to train regularly, regain strength, and find new meaning in sports.'

Andriy, a player on the Ukrainian national wheelchair basketball team, also shared his thoughts: 'We recently won second place at international competitions in Bulgaria. We're heading to Latvia soon.'

The revival of 'LokoChoko' symbolizes not only the return of a neglected space but also exemplifies how infrastructure can aid in the recovery of individuals.

Here, sports unite generations, assist veterans in rehabilitation, and create conditions for youth development. 'Ukrzaliznytsia' and its partners emphasize that even in wartime, investments in accessible spaces are investments in the future of the community and the country.