On September 23, Sumy National Agrarian University held a ceremony to honor students and university staff on the occasion of International Student Sports Day and Tourism Day.
This day provided an opportunity to thank those who, through their achievements, hard work, and dedication, contribute to the development of the SNAU sports movement, represent the university at competitions of various levels, and motivate others to adopt an active lifestyle.
The festivities were attended by Yuriy Hladenko, Director of the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Religions; Karina Soroka, Chief Specialist of the Division of Interethnic Relations and Religions within the Directorate of Tourism and Religions; Liudmyla Cherenshchikova, Chief Specialist of the Division of Economic Development, Tourism, and Promotion; as well as representatives of SNAU—Marharyta Lyshenko, Vice Rector for Scientific, Pedagogical, and Academic Affairs; Natalia Bolhova, Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology; Natalia Kolodnenko, Chair of the University’s Trade Union; and Viktoria Zayarna, Director of the SNAU Center for Sociocultural and Youth Development.
In her welcoming remarks, Marharita Lyshenko emphasized the special significance of sports today:
“I am proud of every victory achieved by our students and staff. After all, in these difficult times, it’s important not just to hang in there—playing sports helps build strength, endurance, and discipline, and it also clears the mind. Sports give us the opportunity to recharge, feel the support of our team, and keep moving forward. Our students and staff are achieving great results despite the security situation and giving us reasons to celebrate during these challenging times.”
The following university employees were recognized with letters of appreciation from the rector for their high level of professionalism and significant contributions to the development of sports at SNAU:
Special recognition was also given to SNAU students who have achieved outstanding results in sports and have represented the university with distinction at the regional and national levels. Among them are members of university teams, competition participants and medalists, and candidates for the title of Master of Sports.
Their athletic achievements span various disciplines—from volleyball and table tennis to skiing, futsal, and arm wrestling. Behind every achievement lies training, discipline, teamwork, and a strong desire to improve.
The awards were presented to Bohdan Korniienko, a student in the Faculty of Agricultural Technologies and Natural Resource Management; Marina Koshova and Irina Lobachova, students of the Faculty of Biology and Technology; Polina Kolienko, a student of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Danilo Hurinov, Mykhailo Osoblivets, and Serhii Shatilo, students of the Faculty of Economics and Management; Zakhar Brovko and Maksym Matuznyi, students of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Oleksii Mukhin, Kyrylo Rubanenko, and Danylo Toderiuk, as well as student Anastasia Tatarchenko, students of the Faculty of Food Technology; and Andrii Kolodnenko, a student of the Faculty of Law.
After the official portion of the event concluded, the participants joined the “Student Expedition: Movement. Energy. Adventure.”
The teams faced athletic, hiking, intellectual, and team-building challenges. Participants tested their ability to properly set up a camping site, tie camping knots, pack a backpack for a day hike, choose food and drinks suitable for an active person, and travel in a way that minimizes harm to nature.
Based on the results of the challenges, the “Desperate Hikers” team took second place, while the “Sports Activists” team claimed victory.
We sincerely congratulate all students and staff of SNAU on Sports and Tourism Day! We wish you new victories, endurance, team spirit, and enjoyment from every new competition.
