A piece of a football stadium destroyed by Russian bombing in Kharkiv was exhibited in Berlin on Thursday to highlight the destruction of sports infrastructure since the start of the war.
Raising awareness of the devastating impact of war, even on football stadiums, a piece of the grandstand from the Sonyachny Stadium in Kharkiv, destroyed by Russian bombing in 2022, was installed in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin on Thursday.
The initiative was taken by Bärbel Bas, President of the Bundestag, and was complemented by an interactive installation highlighting the history of the Sonyachny club.
“A prime example is Kharkiv, where the German national football team trained twelve years ago when Poland and Ukraine co-hosted the European Championship and were fantastic hosts,” explained Bärbel Bas, President of the Bundestag.
Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev added: “Today is the 19th day of the European Championship in Germany. This corresponds to the number of days in June alone when airstrikes were launched in Kharkiv. 468 hours. 19.5 days. In this sense, this stand is a memorial – a reminder that not far from here, Russia commits genocides on a daily basis, and even football is not immune.”
“Peace has a price”
The damaged stand was first displayed in Munich, where the Ukrainian team played its first match of this year’s Euro once morest Romania. The stand then traveled with the team to Düsseldorf, where it was exhibited. After three matches, one lost, one won, and a third that ended in a draw, the Ukrainian team was eliminated from the tournament.
During the team’s last match in Stuttgart once morest Belgium, the Ukrainian team’s fans launched an action: Several spectators held up a banner from the stands which read: “Peace has a price” and a portrait of Nazariy Hryntsevich, a fallen soldier and football fan.
The image of Hryntsevich was created using artificial intelligence (AI) and photos of 182 other fallen Ukrainian soldiers, all known to be ardent supporters of their local football clubs.
The Ukrainian Football Federation recalls that 77 stadiums have been destroyed on Ukrainian soil since the beginning of the conflict. More than 500 other sports facilities were also damaged, forcing many Ukrainian athletes to train outside their country, particularly to prepare for the Olympic Games in Paris.
A piece of a football stadium destroyed by Russian bombing in Kharkiv was exhibited in Berlin on Thursday to highlight the destruction of sports infrastructure since the start of the war.
Raising awareness of the ravages of war even in football stadiums. A piece of the grandstand from the Sonyachny Stadium in Kharkiv, destroyed by Russian bombing in 2022, was installed in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin on Thursday.
An initiative taken by the President of the Bundestag Bärbel Bas, and complemented by an interactive installation with a virtual tour of the history of the Sonyachny club.
“An example here is Kharkiv where the German national football team trained twelve years ago when Poland and Ukraine co-hosted the European Championship and who were also fantastic hosts” explained Bärbel Bas, President of the Bundestag.
Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev added: “Today is the 19th day of the European Championship in Germany. This corresponds to the number of days in June alone when airstrikes were launched in Kharkiv. 468 hours. 19.5 days. In this sense, this stand is a memorial – a reminder that not far from here, Russia commits genocides on a daily basis from which even football is not immune.”
“Peace has a price”
The damaged stand was first displayed in Munich, where the Ukrainian team played its first match of this year’s Euro once morest Romania. The stand then travelled with the team to Düsseldorf, where it was exhibited. After three matches, one lost, one won and a third that ended in a draw, the Ukrainian team was eliminated from the tournament.
During the team’s last match in Stuttgart once morest Belgium, the Ukrainian team’s fans launched an action: Several spectators held up a banner from the stands which read: “Peace has a price” and a portrait of Nazariy Hryntsevich, a fallen soldier and football fan.
The image of Hryntsevich was created using artificial intelligence (AI) and photos of 182 other fallen Ukrainian soldiers, all known to be ardent supporters of their local football clubs.
The Ukrainian Football Federation recalls that 77 stadiums have been destroyed on Ukrainian soil since the beginning of the conflict. More than 500 other sports facilities were also damaged, forcing many Ukrainian athletes to train outside their country, particularly to prepare for the Olympic Games in Paris.
The Impact of War on Sports Infrastructure
The destruction of sports infrastructure in Ukraine highlights the devastating impact of war on all facets of life. Sports facilities are not mere places of entertainment but important social hubs that foster community spirit, promote physical and mental well-being, and provide opportunities for youth development. The destruction of stadiums and other sports facilities has deprived Ukrainians of these essential benefits, leaving lasting scars on the nation’s social fabric.
Beyond Physical Damage: The Human Cost
The destruction of sports infrastructure goes beyond physical damage. It represents a loss of identity, a symbol of the disruption of normalcy, and a reminder of the ongoing human cost of war. For many Ukrainians, sports hold a special place in their hearts, a source of pride, and a refuge from the hardships of daily life. The loss of these venues is a tangible reminder of the war’s impact on their lives and their sense of community.
A Call for Solidarity and Support
The exhibition of the destroyed stadium grandstand in Berlin serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and a call for international solidarity with Ukraine. The devastation of sports infrastructure underscores the urgent need to support Ukraine in its rebuilding efforts. This includes providing financial assistance, expertise in reconstruction, and humanitarian aid to help Ukrainians restore their sports facilities and rebuild their communities.
The Resilience of the Human Spirit
Despite the immense challenges they face, the Ukrainian people demonstrate remarkable resilience. They continue to train and compete, showcasing their unwavering determination to overcome adversity. The exhibition of the destroyed stadium grandstand serves as a testament to their strength and a reminder that the human spirit can endure even the most difficult of circumstances.
The Importance of International Cooperation
The destruction of sports infrastructure highlights the need for international cooperation in responding to humanitarian crises and supporting countries in recovery. It underscores the interconnectedness of the global community and the shared responsibility to uphold international norms and prevent violence. By working together, the international community can help Ukraine rebuild its sports infrastructure, foster reconciliation, and promote sustainable peace.
