September 17th, 2025

Timo Virtanen

Volodymyr Kilarskyi

​Press Release
Restoration Project of Mykolaiv Stadium Progresses – First Official Meeting Held on August 30, 2025
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the first official meeting concerning the restoration of the city stadium in Mykolaiv was held. The meeting took place in Mykolaiv and marked the start of concrete efforts to return the stadium to active use for children's and youth's sports and physical activity.
Participants included Volodymyr Kilarskyi, President of the Mykolaiv athletics club GO FLAMO; Timo Virtanen, CEO of the World Children & Youth Physical Education Academy (C.Y.P.E. Academy); and Henry Björklid, an advisor to the academy.
The meeting addressed the missile strike carried out by the Russian army in 2022, which directly targeted the stadium. The attack caused extensive damage, especially to the running track, where a crater approximately five meters deep and fifteen meters wide was formed. The strike was not only an attack on Mykolaiv's infrastructure, but also a blow to the international sports community, as the stadium had hosted international competitions before the war.
The stadium holds great importance for children's and youth sports. While it is open for use by all Ukrainian athletes, its primary users are children and youth involved in athletics and football clubs, as well as approximately 20 schools in Mykolaiv – including schools for special needs students – that organize physical education classes at the stadium.
Currently, the football pitch has been restored to a condition that allows for youth and children's tournaments to be played on the grass field. However, the surrounding athletics facilities, such as the running track and event areas, still require significant repair.
During the meeting, responsibilities were delegated and potential funding sources for the restoration project were discussed. The City of Mykolaiv has expressed preliminary readiness to contribute 50% of the project funding, provided that the remaining 50% can be secured from sponsors or international reconstruction funds.
C.Y.P.E. Academy CEO Timo Virtanen expressed his gratitude to GO FLAMO President Volodymyr Kilarskyi for organizing an excellent and productive meeting. Both parties committed to moving forward toward concrete results.
This project represents a vital step in the reconstruction of Mykolaiv and in supporting children's well-being through sport.
For more information:
World Children & Youth Physical Education Academy ( C.Y.P.E.-Academy )
Timo Virtanen
Coordinator
[email protected] or office : [email protected]
​whatsapp +358 45 125 8817