A unique sports territory has appeared in Odessa, where, first of all, they work on the topic of those who need rehabilitation and support, mentors and discipline, a kind word and good advice.
Our interlocutors are Georgy Moshkovsky and Maksym Gerasimov, the founders of the SVORA project. This is not an ordinary sports club - they don't take money for season tickets here, but the coaches themselves give a ticket to big sports. The mechanism is simple: deposit a certain amount - give the opportunity to train others. Everyone is welcome in the club: children, teenagers, and even adults. The main thing is desire!
— This is an interesting project. First of all, we introduce young people to sports. Secondly, it is socialization. One is a musician, the other is a chess player, the third is active, the fourth is stubborn, but they are all different and learn to interact with each other. A process of socialization takes place - pupils learn to communicate, make friends, sympathize, win and lose, communicate with elders (and here, the elders help the younger ones, the coach always instructs and educates, this is important). It's all free, we gladly provide an opportunity to engage in it, we want to give a chance to those who need it. The point is not in profit, but in synergy, - say athletes.
Despite the fact that the active start of the project coincided with the beginning of the pandemic, this place has already united more than 50 athletes - children, adults, teenagers, both boys and girls. It is aimed at Muay Thai, boxing, sambo, jiu-jitsu, MMA, self-defense, crossfit, gymnastics and even stretching. There is an opportunity for individual and group classes, as well as attending master classes of famous sportsmen of the region and Ukraine. Most of them, by the way, actively train children in SVORA.
— Many guys who train with us participate in local, all-Ukrainian and international competitions, some of them have already become masters of sports. We actively help them, sponsor them, seek external support - somewhere it is preparation for competitions and transfer, somewhere sports equipment and equipment. Among the athletes known to Odessans, we have, for example, Elena Kolesnyk, Ruslan Hadjiev, Mike Stytsenko.
At first glance, it may seem that this is another "fight club" or a gym for "ducks" - the same ones where men clench their teeth and sweat under the barbell, and women lift weights, not for the weaker sex. But Georgy assures: it is not only about sports, but also about psychology.
— In our club, we live according to the right concepts, we raise a tolerant, sporty generation. There are no roads without difficulties, and this is a fact. Therefore, we do not have detachment: there is a problem - we solve it together. Here they don't choose easy ways: to steal, rob or lose their health. We promote persistence, determination and fortitude!
By the way, athletes are sure: it is easier to work with children than with adults. The latter have an already formed worldview, more addictions and problems, and it is not too late to help the younger generation - those who have found themselves in difficult life situations. Someone changes their life priorities, some even go into big sports, there are those whom the guys helped to socialize and find a job. However, it is always rosy only in advertising or cinema - it also happens that some people give up.
- Someone, sometimes, frankly understands that he does not need it. Especially adults - you are one thing for him, and he in return is a bunch of tricks, lies and disputes. We do not run after anyone, we do not force - we can help, advise, but if the person does not want - why force? Children are another matter. It is enough to show the child once - he absorbs it, gets motivated. They have a clear consciousness, children are inclined to discoveries and self-knowledge. It is very interesting with them, because this is our future generation!
At the moment, the branch of the club at Gradonachalnytskaya 8 is actively functioning. But now the network is expanding and soon another powerful hall will appear in the very heart of Cheryomushek.
— Our ambitious goal is to network throughout Ukraine. But for a start, I would like at least 7-8 clubs in large areas. We also do not forget about the region and the hinterland - children there also need attention. And, by the way, they are more stubborn...
Athletes of the club also take an active part in sports events and charity projects - these are open trainings, outdoor races, master classes and support at competitions. After all, the main thing is to remember that there is no shame in falling. It's a shame not to rise!
Interviewed by Iryna Kystruga
