Final competition of the Ukrainian Cup in volleyball among oldtimers was organized by the Volleyball Veterans Association of Ukraine on 15 – 25 of June2015 in Koblevo (Mykolaiv region). Previously, they were held in the Crimea but they were replaced to the Koblevo play fields two years ago. Competitions were held in full format including 13 categories: 5 female and 8 masculine categories. Region competitions took priority of final games. In region competition participated over thousand teams. Oldtimer teams from KPI passed regional selection successfully and got the right to defend the honor of the university in the categories 60+, 70+ and 75+.
In this sport season our university was introduced for the first time in category 75+. It is also need to be noticed that not only rising popularity of volleyball (in the final three teams were our employees), but also a great organizational work to involve technicians field to mass sports work.
87 teams gathered om the final competitions in Koblevo. Although the weather didn’t work on outdoors games – it was cold and very windy – games had high organizational and sports levels. Well – equipped play fields with artificial cover, coordinated and professional work of the judiciary, the Credentials Committee and other services – all these things made the atmosphere of health celebration and sport spirit. Participants parade was opened by Volodimir Ivanov the President of the Volleyball Veterans Association of Ukraine – national volleyball legend and Olympic champion. It is pleasant to note that Volodimir Trofimov the Vice-President of Association is ex – KPI – student and former captain of KPI student’s team.
Games were held in a tense and uncompromising struggle. The first competitor was 60+ team. Usually in this category is performed most teams – as a rule these are city and region select teams. NTUU “KPI” select team was able to break into the Ukrainian top five. Our 70+ team competed the next day. Next day our veterans won the third place and accordingly bronze medals demonstrating their best fighting qualities. Prizes have already become a good tradition for our “Seventy”. Our “75+” team achieved the greatest success. Having won all games not losing any single one they have won the Ukrainian Cup 2015 and golden medals in a tense struggle. Amazing achievement of our volleyball players! Honor of our University in national games was defended by M.Z.Abdulin (TEF) V.S.Herasymchuk (FMF) M.A.Pro¬kopchuk (ATP) A.F.Oberemok (IEE), A.A.Leonets (IMD) V.A.Shatohin, A.V.Pruskyy, O.Libih, P.A.Minyeyev and others.
Thousands volleyball players take part in the final games including the selection tour and are supported by thousands fans. These are people of all ages which reflect almost every social class. Therefore our athletes introduce to everyone the history, modern life and traditions of Kiev Polytechnic, issue booklets and literature about the KPI. Ivan Beiko the captain of “75+” team and Ukrainian Cup winner says “It is nice to win when your fans support you greatly and besides it is nice to play in the uniform with KPI embroidered emblem. Fans’ support was especially great when we managed to raise and win almost lost ball. We are happy to get golden medals. We proudly raised the Champion Cup to the applause of the strongest teams from all Ukrainian regions. Also we are happy because of our peace and understanding which let us to realize importance of persistent, scientific and reasonable, all-season workout in the KPI sports complex for winning our golden medals. Science helps the sport and sport helps the science.”
Success of KPI volleyball players would have been impossible without the great work of activists, athletes, community organizations and administration. Oleksander Oberemok, Mykola Prokopchuk, Ivan Beiko the captain of “75+” team, Vitaly Yeroshenko (captain “70+” team), Mykchaylo Abdulin (“60+” team) have been promoting the healthy lifestyle for many years. Traditionally trade union of KPI employees headed by Vitaly Molchanov gives the organizational and financial support. Roman Brahynets the Director of sports complex helps to create proper conditions for training process. Mykchaylo Zgurovsky the President of NTUU “KPI” is interested in sports achievement of our volleyball players. In conclusion I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the victories of our university and wish to achieve success despite all obstacles.