The competition for the title of “Inspiring Coach 2026” has concluded in Lviv. A commission comprising sports figures, city council deputies and young athletes has officially confirmed 35 winners from municipal children’s and youth sports schools and a club for team sports.
The winners will receive a monthly cash award of 15,000 hryvnias for their contribution to the development of youth sport. More than 50 candidates competed for the right to achieve this status.
Lviv Sports Office Director Anton Nikulin emphasised that this year’s selection was particularly special thanks to the involvement of children in assessing the work of coaches.
“We were selecting the best for 2026, and this selection turned out to be something special. This format proved to be extraordinarily brilliant and genuine”
The selection process consisted of three stages: selection of coaches at each institution, presentation of methods and achievements to the commission, and assessment of public position and contribution to the city’s image.
The winners represent diverse disciplines — from badminton and basketball to fencing, chess and cheerleading. The programme has been approved for the period 2025–2030 and is aimed at raising the prestige of the coaching profession and supporting specialists who shape future champions.