First All-Ukrainian Commercial Children’s Races held in Odesa and supported by Pivdenny

On 01 February 2026, Odesa hosted Odesa Regional Children’s Open Club Championships – first commercial races in Ukraine for young athletes only. This event was facilitated by Pivdenny Bank, which joined the organization committee as a socially responsible business supporting the initiatives aimed at development of child sports during war.

The competition was held in an indoor track and field arena, which provided comfortable and safe conditions for the participants. Almost 100 children aged 6 to 15 took part in the start, competing in the 60, 200 and 800 meter distances. Young athletes from different cities of Ukraine took part in the championships, for many of whom it was their first official start in life.

The event was organized by SEASIDE RUNNERS and Poskot Run Club; these clubs believe in special importance of children’s sports competitions today.

“Sports help children stay physically active and mentally stable and retain a sense of normal childhood. Such starts build self-confidence and the ability to overcome difficulties. And running, as one of the most accessible sports, plays a key role in shaping a healthy lifestyle and developing endurance in children,” emphasised Oleksii Volobuiev, Coach and Founder of SEASIDE RUNNERS.

The races were held in a warm and supportive environment - with emotional finishes, first sports experiences, and medals, which for many children became an important personal achievement and a symbol of faith in their own strength.

As for Pivdenny Bank, it is a part of its corporate social responsibility strategy to provide support for the event, and one of the priorities of the strategy is supporting children through sports, education, and psychological counselling. In times of war, such initiatives take on special significance: they help children switch gears, stay physically active, reduce anxiety, and retain a sense of normal childhood.

“During the war, it is especially important for children to have the opportunity to move, compete, experience emotions, and feel support. The Bank, as a socially responsible business, supports sports initiatives for children – as a space for strength, development, and self-belief,” said Olha Horodnichenko, Head of the “Holovne” Branch in Odesa.

The children of the Bank's employees also joined the races - more than 20 young participants took part in the races together with other athletes. Five of them took prizes in their age categories. The youngest was only 6 years old, the oldest was 15. For many of them, this was their first sports experience in an official competition format - with the support of coaches, parents and spectators.

At the finish line, each participant received gifts from Pivdenny Bank and partners, and the winners were awarded medals. At a time when childhood for many Ukrainian children passes under the sound of alarms, such sports starts become a way to regain a sense of normal life - through movement, support, and small but very important personal victories.