A charity race was held in Mykolaiv on the occasion of the City Day «Thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!»

On Thursday, 12 September, on the eve of the City Day, a charity race «Thank you to the Armed Forces!» took place in Mykolaiv.

This was reported by the correspondent of NikVesti.

About 250 citizens of all ages gathered on Soborna Square. Among the participants were athletes, representatives of NGOs and utility companies — all of whom joined the event to support the military and honour the memory of the fallen defenders.

During the race, everyone could make a charitable donation to support the 123rd separate territorial defence brigade of Ukraine in Mykolaiv region.

Dmytro Falko, Secretary of Mykolaiv City Council and Head of the Regional Branch of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine in Mykolaiv Region, stressed that the main goal of the race was to support the military and strengthen their faith in victory.

«First of all, I am here as a participant, one of you who wants to support our defenders. Thanks to the guys and girls from the defence forces, we are able to hold this race today, to work, study and play sports. Yes, we live in difficult conditions, but this only strengthens our faith in victory. This race is an example of how we can help the Armed Forces,» said Dmytro Falco.

Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych noted that the event has not only sporting but also symbolic significance.

«This race is not just a sport, it is our tribute to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We run in honour of those who are defending the country today and in memory of the fallen heroes. It is also a reminder that our people are still in Russian captivity, and we are waiting for their return. It is important that many children are with us today. I want you to remember this event not as a sporting event, but as a sign of remembrance and support for the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Each of us has friends or relatives who died in this war, and we must remember this,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych.

Khrystyna, a participant in the race, said she joined the event because she loves sports and running, and she could not stand aside when it comes to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

«We play basketball at the sports complex «Nadiia». Yesterday, the director came up to me and invited us to take part in this race. I love to run, so I couldn't refuse, especially as it was a charity event for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We couldn't help but support our defenders,» says Khrystyna.

Photo report

Yurii Liubarov, Head of the Culture Department of Mykolaiv City Council, invited citizens to join the celebration of the City Day, which this year will be held in the format of small local events in different districts. He stressed that for security reasons, the exact time and place of the events would not be announced, so he advised to find out about the events through other sources.