Paralympic athletes were congratulated in Kharkiv

01 october 2024 19:06 Sport

Today, on 1 October, Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov met with the participants and winners of the 2024 Paralympic Games.

During the meeting, the mayor discussed with Kharkiv residents the development of Paralympic sports in the city, support for athletes and the level of implementation of programmes to improve the accessibility of the urban environment.

Igor Terekhov congratulated the athletes on their high achievements in this difficult time for all Ukrainians, and thanked the coaches for their work, support and motivation of their students.

‘I understand perfectly well how difficult it is for you. Especially now. And thank you for the incredible emotions you have given to Kharkiv residents and all Ukrainians. Kharkiv is really proud of you! For my part, I would like to say that we are absolutely not indifferent to the development of sports in Kharkiv - we hear your requests and will respond to them. However, this will take time, because it is a whole process. Today, our city is the only one in Ukraine that has created a separate department to improve the accessibility of the urban environment, integrate people with disabilities into all spheres of life, and work with barriers, and your experience would help us a lot in this,’ said Igor Terekhov.

Maryna Lytovchenko, a silver medallist at the 2024 Paralympic Games, stressed that inclusiveness should be a key priority for the city.

‘There are a lot of us, people with disabilities. And it is very important for me that the improvement of accessibility in Kharkiv is always in focus, so that all our athletes can live and develop here,’ the athlete said.

The winners of the 2024 Paralympic Games were awarded with the City Council's diplomas and cash prizes: UAH 75 thousand for the first place, UAH 50 thousand for the second place, and UAH 30 thousand for the third place.

It is worth reminding that the athletes of Kharkiv region made a significant contribution to the medal tally of the national team of Ukraine, winning eight medals: one gold, four silver and three bronze. The best athlete of the XVI Summer Paralympic Games 2024 from Kharkiv and Kharkiv region was Mikhail Serbin, who won a gold medal and set a world Paralympic record in the 100m backstroke.

Tags: Terekhov