In the village of Navariya in Lviv district, the updated rowing and sports centre of the communal institution of the Lviv Regional Council “Olympic Training Centre” has begun operating. Following large-scale reconstruction, a modern inclusive space has been created here for athletes’ training, as well as for the physical and mental rehabilitation of service personnel and war veterans.
The development and modernisation of the centre were carried out within the framework of the Comprehensive Programme for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport in Lviv region for 2021–2026. More than UAH 41.5 million from the regional budget were allocated for this work. Part of the projects were implemented in partnership with Onur Group Ukraine and the Lviv Region Canoe and Kayak Federation.
The Director of the Department of Sport, Youth and Tourism of the Lviv Regional Military Administration, Roman Khimyak, stressed that new facilities are being built taking into account the needs of people with disabilities and veterans, for whom sport is an important component of recovery after injury.
“The development of sports infrastructure is one of the key areas of work of the Lviv Regional Military Administration and, in particular, the Department of Sport, Youth and Tourism. For us, it is important not just to create new facilities, but to build them in such a way that they are accessible and convenient for everyone. This has always been a relevant issue, but now it is particularly acute — as many male and female veterans are returning from the war with injuries of varying severity. Sport is an excellent means of psychological and physical rehabilitation, so it must be accessible to everyone” — Roman Khimyak
Using regional budget funds, a multifunctional sports complex has been set up at the centre. It includes courts for volleyball, basketball, handball, badminton and five-a-side football, running tracks, a boccia court, as well as an inclusive strength-training area with nine machines with adjustable resistance and a multi-station. This zone is effectively a fully fledged outdoor gym, accessible in particular to people who use wheelchairs.
Stands and modern lighting have been installed for visitors, and a new building has been constructed with inclusive showers and changing rooms, a gym and rooms for coaches. The site has been provided with a water supply and bio-treatment system, step-free routes have been laid to all key facilities and the shoreline, and a separate area has been created for yoga, Pilates and breathing practices. A full reconstruction of five boathouses has been carried out, the judges’ tower has undergone major repairs, the bank has been reinforced and modern pontoons have been installed.
The centre’s grounds, covering more than two hectares, are equipped with a secure car park and a CCTV system. The infrastructure allows more than 100 athletes to train simultaneously and meets the requirements for the training of national canoe and kayak teams.
Today, this is one of the few fully inclusive rowing and sports centres in Ukraine. Its purpose is not only to provide a training base, but also to create a space for communication, mutual support and social adaptation for veterans, civilians, children and adults, fostering a new culture of shared leisure and family activity.
The water and rowing centre in Navariya has been part of the structure of the Olympic Training Centre since 2023. Previously, it housed the Regional School of Higher Sporting Excellence and, in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine dated 11.02.2026 No. 801, the institution was granted the status of Olympic Training Centre. High-level athletes currently train here, including honoured masters of sport and masters of sport of international class, and the facility itself is one of the key hubs for preparing Ukrainian rowers for national and international competitions.
During the opening, special attention was paid to the coaches who have made a significant contribution to the development of rowing and the training of athletes. To mark Coach’s Day, which is celebrated in Ukraine on 19 July, they were presented with letters of appreciation from the Verkhovna Rada, the Minister of Youth and Sport of Ukraine Matvii Bidnyi, the Lviv Regional Military Administration, the Lviv Regional Council and the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.
As part of the event, two DJI Mavic 3T Enterprise Thermal unmanned aerial vehicles were also handed over to the 80th Separate Air Assault Galician Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 2nd Galician Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine. Funds for their purchase were raised during the traditional charity ascent of Hoverla, which took place in March and involved, in particular, representatives of youth sports schools in Lviv region and coaches.