Ivano-Frankivsk Regional School Laser Rifle Tournament inspires young athletes

The Ivano-Frankivsk Regional School Tournament in laser rifle shooting using the Kiwi Precision system took place on 21 April in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, bringing together young athletes from across the area for a day of sporting competition and teamwork.

The event was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Sports of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education as part of the nationwide school sports initiative “Shoulder to Shoulder”. The tournament aimed to encourage children to engage in modern sporting activities and discover the fundamentals of biathlon in a fun and accessible format.

Children born between 2010 and 2014, along with several younger participants, took part in the competition. In total, 40 pupils from across the Ivano-Frankivsk region participated, representing Vorokhta Lyceum, Dzvynyach Lyceum and Ivano-Frankivsk Lyceum No. 2.

Three physical education teachers were actively involved in organising and supporting the event: Ivanna Hlovliuk, Ruslan Korol and Volodymyr Ivanov. The chief referee and regional project coach was Tetiana Rud, who once again played a leading role in delivering the competition.

The tournament featured a sprint format combining cross-country running with prone laser rifle shooting. According to the organisers, this format is particularly well suited to school competitions and ideal for children who are experiencing biathlon for the first time.

Organisers highlighted the growing enthusiasm for biathlon among teachers and pupils alike, noting that even small villages can produce dedicated sports educators eager to introduce children to new disciplines.

“Even in a small village, it is possible to find teachers who are interested in biathlon, true sports enthusiasts who are keen to organise similar events,” noted Lily Budzulyak, B4A Project Coordinator in Ukraine. “This sport is especially exciting for children because it is something new and different. The children’s eyes were shining with excitement.”

The event demonstrated the increasing popularity of laser biathlon in Ukraine and the important role school sport continues to play in encouraging healthy lifestyles, teamwork and community spirit among young people.