Sports clubs in Prague open doors to Ukrainian children

Most of them also offer free training equipment to kids fleeing war

Five weeks of the Russian invasion in Ukraine have caused immeasurable grief, suffering and, quite likely, lasting psychological troubles for many Ukrainians. Although many have already found safety in nearby European countries, the effects of the hardships they had witnessed are likely to stay for a long time. To alleviate this, at least partially, and offer Ukrainian refugees better chances to feel at home, Prague civil associations have turned to sports as the answer.

In particular, several sports clubs have announced they will be opening their doors for free for Ukrainian children, willing to practice sports. Moreover, on top of access to regular training sessions, some clubs generously offered training equipment and additional training slots, especially for the needs of the guests from Ukraine.

Free sports for children from Ukraine – a single point

To facilitate Ukrainian parents in finding the sports that best cater to their needs, the Czech capital has launched a single online space, where clubs can publish their offers. On Praha Sportovni (which is also available in Ukrainian), one can already find 7 publications, including football, basketball, martial arts, even dances, together with their schedules and conditions for participation.

Some clubs have really taken the task to heart, by providing Ukrainian translators and making equipment available, and opening new groups, especially for children from Ukraine and their mothers.

"We are not indifferent to the situation in Ukraine, which is why we are trying to help Ukrainian families who fled the war as much as possible. Above all, we strive to ensure that children adapt here and forget about the extreme situation that currently prevails in their country and negatively affects their mental state. In cooperation with Prague sports clubs and associations, we want to use this activity to provide Ukrainian children with the opportunity to relax through their favourite sport," commented the Prague councillor for sports, Vít Šimral, as quoted on the city website.