In Zolochiv, a city in the Kharkiv region located just 17 kilometers from the front line, explosions and the hum of drones are heard every day. Despite the constant threat, children continue to live and train here — young cyclists from the local "Zolochiv Cycling Club." Their story is not just about sports; it is a symbol of resilience, hope, and faith in the future, even when the world around them is crumbling.
Underground gym: where children find safety
Usually, cyclists train outdoors — in parks, on tracks, under the open sky. But in Zolochiv, such a luxury is unavailable. Due to constant drone threats and shelling, children train in an underground children's space created with the support of UNICEF and the "Peaceful Sky of Kharkiv" foundation. This place has become their only shelter where they can feel safe, receive psychological support, participate in art therapy, and even continue their education, which was lost due to the war.
Nikolai: from a school hobby to a dream of the Ukrainian national team
16-year-old Nikolai is one of the club's leaders. He became interested in cycling back in school when he joined a children's cycling club. "Back then, I made many friends, and we started spending a lot of time together, including at cycling classes," he recalls. The full-scale war scattered friends across different cities: Nikolai and his family had to move to the calmer town of Bohodukhiv. But as soon as there was an opportunity, he returned to Zolochiv and immediately resumed training.
Three lives of the cycling club: from destruction to rebirth
The first training session of the updated club took place at the local sports complex. However, the joy was short-lived: in 2023, the complex was destroyed as a result of shelling. "To be honest, this broke me morally," says Nikolai. "Cycling was an integral part of my life. It was very hard for me without it." But coach Vitaliy Sadovy, Deputy Head of the Zolochiv Settlement Council, did not let the children lose hope. He found a new venue, brought in training stands and bicycles — and the club came alive for the third time.
Dreams, education, and friends: what keeps children in Zolochiv
Nikolai dreams of becoming a Master of Sports of Ukraine and reaching the international level. "I have many idols among Ukrainians who are currently competing in Europe and winning prizes. I would very much like to join the Ukrainian national cycling team," he shares. Combining education and sports is not easy right now: the school in Zolochiv was bombed at the beginning of the war, so education has moved online. But, according to Nikolai, the passion has not disappeared: "Every day I am inspired to get a decent education, get a good job, do sports, and just continue living for myself." "In this space, I have the opportunity not just to do sports. Here I found very valuable people for me — friends, close ones. Now this is, so to speak, the only safe place where I can see them," the boy assures.
Sport as therapy: coach's observations and support from international partners
According to Vitaliy Sadovy, sports have become for children not just physical activity, but a way to remain children despite the realities of war: "Communicating with friends, going to competitions, they get pleasure. And you can see how the children's condition changes in these realities of constant shelling — here they relax, here they feel safe." The cycling club is evidence of how such spaces help young Ukrainian athletes develop their talents and inspire other children with their example. "Thanks to this space, we have the opportunity to train children and show decent results at all-Ukrainian competitions," the coach says. Safe places for children operate with the support of the governments of the USA, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
