On 1 November, DTEK Renewables, in partnership with the “Shakhtar Social” charity organisation and with the support of the Hlobyne community authorities, opened a new section of the ‘Come On,Let’s Play!’ social football project in the village of Velyki Krynky in Poltava region. From now on, local children will be able to train regularly and free of charge under the guidance of a qualified coach.
The section is based at a football pitch with a natural grass surface and is equipped with all the necessary high-quality kit, ensuring safe and comfortable training conditions all year round. All the participants are provided with footballs and sports kit.
“Supporting communities in the regions where we operate is a key priority for DTEK Renewables. Even in difficult times, we continue to invest in Ukraine’s future – in our children. The opening of this project in Velyki Krynky will enable children to develop, build resilience, make new friends and take their minds off the stresses of everyday life through sport. This project became possible in part thanks to the support of the regional, district and local authorities, as well as the proactive and patriotic residents who played a key role in the preparation of this important energy project in our efforts to build Ukraine’s largest wind farm – the DTEK Poltavska Wind Farm,” said Oleg Solovei, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of DTEK Renewables.
Thanks to the expansion of the “Come On, Let’s Play!” project’s geographical reach, children from small towns and villages – where sports facilities are often in need of upgrading – are being encouraged to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Particular emphasis is placed on inclusivity – training sessions are open to both boys and girls, regardless of their level of ability.
From now on, boys and girls aged between 7 and 12 in the Hlobyne community will be able to attend free football training sessions, take part in competitions and practise their favourite sport. A qualified coach will be working with the children. Thirty children have already joined this section.
Andrii Babeshko, Director of Shakhtar Social, emphasised: “We are pleased to see that «Come On, Let’s Play!» project continе to expand, now extending to Poltava region as well. The location in Velyki Krynky is the third new site we have opened this year. It is important to us that as many children as possible have the opportunity to play football regularly, develop their skills, make new friends and spend their time meaningfully. This is our primary goal.”
On the opening day, qualified coaches led the children through a warm-up session, and the boys and girls practised scoring goals. The event concluded with the presentation of symbolic sports gifts and a group photo.
“It is a great pleasure to see the first training session of «Come On, Let’s Play!» project taking place here today. Football is loved and valued in the Hlobyno community, and today is a great example of that. So many children have gathered here today, dreaming of playing football, developing their skills and becoming professional footballers and stars of the game. I wish them every success, and hope they always have the motivation and enthusiasm to pursue their dreams. I would like to thank DTEK Renewables and Shakhtar Social for supporting children’s sport in our community together with us,” said Stanislav Dzhus, Mayor of Hlobyne.
DTEK Renewables has entered the Poltava region with a project to construct the Poltavska wind farm. The process of allocating land plots for the construction of the wind farm is currently underway.
DTEK Renewables is a reliable partner to the local communities. As a socially responsible business, the company invests in the communities’ development and in improving the quality of life for its residents. For example, this spring the company implemented its first social project to install backup power systems in the town of Hlobyne.
