The main training base for Ukraine’s national diving and artistic swimming teams has officially reopened following a major renovation under its new name, Liko Sportlife Olimpiyskyi.
The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including the President of the Ukrainian Diving Federation and the Artistic Swimming Federation of Ukraine, Igor Lysov; Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi; Deputy Minister Oleksii Nikitenko; President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine Vadym Vadym Guttsait; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ukraine Seymur Gurban oglu Mardaliyev; Head of the Holosiivskyi District State Administration Sofiia Dunaievska; and other honoured guests.
During the ceremony, Igor Lysov presented Certificates of Appreciation to Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi, NOC President Vadym Vadym Guttsait, and Director of Liko Sportlife Olimpiyskyi Oleksii Drobiazko in recognition of their personal contribution to the development and promotion of diving and artistic swimming, their continuous support of Ukraine’s national team athletes and coaches, and on the occasion of the reopening of the complex.
“Together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the city authorities, we continue to develop sport and create opportunities for future generations of athletes. I am happy that our children will train at a facility that meets all international standards,” said Igor Lysov.
During the event, NOC President Vadym Vadym Guttsait presented Igor Lysov with the Medal for Dedication to Olympism. Federation Vice President Tamara Tokmachova received the Butovsky Medal, Ukraine’s national diving team head coach Illia Tseliutin was awarded the NOC Honorary Distinction, while World Championships medallist and European champion Oleksii SEREDA received an Honorary Certificate.
The celebration featured exhibition performances by athletes from Liko Diving School, artistic swimmers from the Olympic Training Centre, and leading Ukrainian divers — World and European Championships medallists Oleksii SEREDA, Kseniia BAILO, Kirill BOLIUKH, Stanislav OLIFERCHYK, Kseniia BOCHEK, Sofia ESMAN, Kyrylo AZAROV, and Diana SHEVCHENKO. The highlight of the programme was a humorous diving show that delighted everyone in attendance.
The reopening of Liko Sportlife Olimpiyskyi marks an important milestone for Ukrainian sport. We believe the complex will soon once again host international competitions of the highest level.