Andriy Matyukha and FAST First Aid and Special Training opened first aid courses for athletes

Thirty-three participants from various sports clubs and schools in the region had the chance to work on practical skills. Among them were students and coaches of the Regional Sports Training Center, Youth Sports School named after O. Butovsky, Youth Sports School “Kolos,” the National Deaflympic Team, the regional Spartak Sports Society, and FC Vorskla. For many, it was their first such experience and became an important lesson.

The first minutes after an emergency determine whether a life can be saved. During the training, theory was immediately transformed into practice. Athletes practiced actions in cases of respiratory arrest, critical bleeding, and loss of consciousness. Thanks to simulated scenarios, participants felt realistic pressure and learned to act quickly and correctly. Poltava now has specialists ready to respond at critical moments.

Andriy Matyukha and his foundation actively supports the idea that sports and safety go hand in hand.

“Life-saving skills must be basic for both coaches and athletes. We are convinced of this and support holding such training in different cities. Poltava became another step, but there are new ones ahead,” said Andriy Matyukha.

Andriy Matyukha promotes a culture of safety in sports across Ukraine

The Complex program is traveling through different regions. Recently in Rivne, classes were held at the regional branch of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. About 20 participants, including coaches from “Invasport,” representatives of the Department of Youth and Sports, the School of Higher Sports Mastery, and the “Sports for All” program, practiced emergency actions.

In Vinnytsia, 28 athletes and coaches of the national shooting team trained in simulated stressful conditions. They practiced acting under pressure, making decisions quickly and confidently.

In the Chernihiv region, 60 biathlon coaches learned how to act in cases of injuries, bleeding, and dangerous conditions.

Young hockey players of the “Sea Wolves” club also joined the program. They received basic first aid knowledge. For 24 teenagers, this became the foundation of a responsible approach to sports.

Students of the Ivan Piddubny Olympic College also eagerly completed the training and gained practical skills that complemented their sports preparation.

Andriy Matyukha and his foundation doesn’t stop at what has been achieved. Every new training is a chance to spread a culture of safety among athletes and coaches. Participants noted that practical classes help them understand personal responsibility and strengthen team spirit.

Plans of Andriy Matyukha to scale the project

By the end of the year, the organizers plan to involve about 1,800 participants across Ukraine.

“A coach shapes the character and results of athletes. Today, he must also be the one who can provide help in a critical moment. Athlete safety is the foundation. Together with FAST, we are doing a worthy job implementing this program,” emphasized Andriy Matyukha.

The foundation headed by Andriy Matyukha has been operating since 2020. From the very beginning, its mission was to give young people more opportunities for development. Andriy Matyukha support sports and educational projects, infrastructure, and new programs. Launching first aid courses for athletes has become the next step in contributing to the development of Ukrainian sports.

“The future of sports depends on responsibility for the lives and health of those who train and compete. People need such training. We see many positive reviews. Motivated, we are moving forward,” added Andriy Matyukha.