Olena Zelenska and Howard Buffett visit fully accessible LOKO CHOKOlivka sports space in Kyiv
The facility was created on the basis of the sports center and stadium of the Lokomotyv Basketball Club with financial support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
According to Olena Zelenska, the sports complex in Kyiv's Chokolivka district had been largely neglected for a long time.
"For more than 35 years, this sports space in Kyiv's Chokolivka district had been largely abandoned. In addition, the home arena of BC Lokomotyv — the stadium of the same name — was severely damaged by a Russian missile strike in 2024," the First Lady said.
The project aims to create a modern sports hub for:
The project also includes the creation of an accessible environment for children's sports activities.
During the visit, Olena Zelenska and Howard Buffett watched training sessions ahead of a basketball match between young athletes from Lokomotyv and wheelchair-using veterans.
They also visited a training session of amputee football players and spoke with the athletes, as well as participants of the "Iron Shift" program — an initiative by Ukrzaliznytsia aimed at supporting talented teenagers.
Since the facility opened, it has already hosted around 80 sporting events, including football, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and chess tournaments.
Olena Zelenska also highlighted the long-term support Ukraine has received from Howard Buffett and his foundation.
"It is already difficult to count the number of projects that Mr. Buffett, a tireless friend of our country, has implemented in Ukraine during the years of Russia's invasion. To support the school nutrition reform, the philanthropist fully financed the construction of the first centralized kitchen facility in Bucha and a second one in the Kharkiv region. These facilities provide meals for dozens of schools and kindergartens across their regions.
The Buffett Foundation also helps Ukrainian farmers with equipment for demining agricultural land and finances rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian defenders.
I will always be grateful to this consistent and principled person for his unwavering support of those who need it most," the First Lady emphasized.
Reference
Howard Buffett, the son of legendary investor Warren Buffett, has been actively supporting Ukraine through his foundation, focusing on food security, demining, support for farmers, energy infrastructure, and prosthetics. He has provided millions of dollars in aid, visited Ukraine personally, documented war crimes, called on the international community to support the country, and launched innovative projects such as a kitchen train.
His activities include both humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery initiatives.
It is worth noting that Howard Buffett's name has been added to Kyiv's Alley of Courage in recognition of his support for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.
- Last
- June, 23
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
News by day
24 of June 2026
