Development of Student Sports — in the Focus of Cooperation Between the Presidential Fund for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports and the Ministry of Youth and Sports

The Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Matvii Bidnyi, and his Deputy, Serhii Tymofieiev, held a meeting with representatives of the Presidential Fund for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports. On behalf of the Fund, the meeting was attended by the Presidential Advisor-Authorized Representative for Fund Affairs, Olha Budnyk, Acting Director of the Fund, Yurii Petrushenko, Head of the Communications Department, Alina Kosa, and Head of the Projects and Programs Department, Kateryna Bova.

At the center of attention was the future of student sports as a powerful force capable of uniting young people, supporting their development, and creating new opportunities.

“The development of student sports should become a strategic area of cooperation between the Presidential Fund for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. We see universities not only as a place for acquiring knowledge but also as an environment that can nurture leaders, unite young people, and foster team spirit. Student-athletes should have the opportunity to combine their studies with the development of their sports careers, while universities should have the resources, infrastructure, and support to unlock this potential,” emphasized Olha Budnyk, Presidential Advisor-Authorized Representative for Fund Affairs.

An important topic of discussion was creating conditions that allow athletes to combine higher education studies with their sports careers. This included the introduction of educational grants for athletes, the development of sports infrastructure in universities, and the implementation of best international practices.

“Our task is to ensure that athletes do not have to choose between education and sports, but can fulfill themselves in both areas simultaneously. Quality education and high sports achievements are the new formula for success — a combination of knowledge and opportunities for personal development,” noted Matvii Bidnyi, Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.

Ahead lie concrete steps to scale up cooperation and ensure its sustainability. These include assessing universities’ capacities for developing student sports, analyzing international experience, and shaping a shared vision for its future in Ukraine.

The Presidential Fund for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports and the Ministry of Youth and Sports will work together to develop student sports so that it becomes a symbol of unity, team spirit, and success.