Alexander Svishchov about 111 years of water polo: We hold on even in the most difficult times

On July 26, Lviv celebrates the 111th anniversary of the first official water polo match in the history of Ukraine. It was on this day in 1914 that two teams of the LKS Pogon played each other at the Pelchyn Ponds (now the area of Vitovskoho Street), ending the game with a score of 1:1. This match was the beginning of the history of Ukrainian water polo.

Oleksandr Svishchov: on the history, challenges and future of the game

On the anniversary of the landmark date, President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation Oleksandr Svishchov emphasized the deep significance of the Lviv tradition:

“111 years ago, the history of our sport began in Lviv. Today we are also living in a difficult period – during a full-scale war. But, just like then, we are not giving up. The Federation has done everything to preserve the teams, children, and coaches, so as not to break the thread of continuity.”

Lviv is the center of water polo in Ukraine

According to Oleksandr Svishchov, Lviv is currently the main center of water polo development, with three clubs operating here:

• “Dynamo,
• “LFCS-Aquatico
• “KIVS”

“The city regularly hosts rounds of the Ukrainian championship, and the player training system is one of the strongest. We see Lviv as a model that we want to scale to the whole of Ukraine.”

Oleksandr Svishchov also drew attention to infrastructure needs: “Lviv needs a modern swimming pool. It would be a catalyst not only for the city but for the whole country.”

War and sport: despite the losses, we hold on

The war has caused significant damage to Ukraine’s sports infrastructure. A swimming pool in Mariupol was completely destroyed, and facilities in Kharkiv and Kyiv were damaged. The latest blow was the shelling of the capital, which damaged the KPI swimming pool.

“This is yet another horrific act of Russian terror. But despite everything, we are holding on. I thank our Armed Forces and air defense forces for giving us the opportunity to live and play,” said Svishchov.

Oleksandr Svishchov is a leader who supports both sports and the army

Oleksandr Yuriyovych Svishchov is known not only for his role in the development of water polo, but also for his active civic position. He constantly supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine and participates in volunteer initiatives.

In early 2024, he received a letter of appreciation from the then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhnyi. And his contribution to the development of sports and charity was recognized with the Treasure of the Nation 2024 award.

Wishes to the water polo community

On the day of the 111th anniversary of water polo in Ukraine, the President of the Federation expressed his gratitude to everyone who remains faithful to the game.

“Our main wish is victory and peace. I thank all the coaches, athletes, and officials. We remember our history and we are creating a new one. And this new history should glorify Ukraine on the world stage,” summarized Oleksandr Svishchov.