The first associate member of the FSU, Fedir Saplashanko: squash in Ukraine needs support

We first talked to you in March, I remember how you were one of the first to write to the Federation and offer help to our squash players with training and accommodation in Bulgaria. First, I want to once again express my respect and gratitude from the entire squash community. Also, taking this opportunity, let me ask you a few questions

Were there people who turned to you and who were able to find shelter with you in Bulgaria? Tell us a little about it…

In the first days of the war, a dense stream of refugees formed in the direction of Bulgaria. Our family joined in to help. We accommodated our Kyiv neighbors in our homes and looked for housing for the rest of our acquaintances and those who applied. No one from the squash community approached us directly, but the Bulgarian Squash Federation helped some of our juniors, who were able to live and continue training in Bulgaria for a certain time.

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, it became known that Russian and Belarusian juniors would not be admitted to international competitions. We really didn't want our juniors to lose the opportunity to perform in Europe because of the war. In spite of the enemy, Ukrainian flags were to be used in European tournaments. The very fact that our juniors performed at the junior open and the European Championship is a success.

I understand that you have a club in Sofia, what kind of club or clubs is it?

We do not have our own squash club. There is "our" club - the one where my children train. There are all conditions, support and a nice squash community. Squash in Bulgaria develops mainly in Sofia. There are several clubs where children are trained and several more courts where they only play. Our club "Squash club Bulgaria" has 4 courts, coaches, holds local children's and adult competitions.

How did you get into squash, do you play yourself or maybe members of your family still do?

Squash entered the life of our family when the youngest son Nestor started training. The Bulgarian Squash Federation held free training sessions for children. We decided to try it and the boy really liked it. Then the elder Orest joined in, then I tried. I immediately liked dynamic and active squash. What you need to keep in shape (or improve it) in a big city: you can play in any weather and easily find sparring partners.

At the moment, squash has taken us to the full. The children train 5-6 days a week, participate in local tournaments and go to international tournaments whenever possible, where there are already certain successes (1st and 3rd places of Nestor in Bucharest and Malmo at the ESF Junior Open in the U11 category). .

Why did you decide to join the ranks of associate members, why is it important to you?

Squash in Ukraine needs support. And now the most. Many challenges and problems: destroyed clubs in Kharkiv and Kherson, difficult financial situation, migration of juniors and their families abroad, etc. That is why I joined the Federation as an associate member. I believe that it is necessary to join forces and the Federation is the unifying body. A small contribution to a common cause. Adult squash players should help young athletes, those who are able should help those who are currently struggling. I know that some adult players support junior squash financially. That is, there is already a community that can solve certain financial problems for juniors.

Anyone who wants to join the FSU initiative and support our squash teams can contribute by becoming an associate member or donating any amount.

In order to become an associate member, you need to fill out an application for admission and make an annual contribution of UAH 500.

Link to the target Monobank https://send.monobank.ua/jar/9pyDJbwaPX

Monobank card number 5375 4112 0353 5401

Privatbank card number 5169 3305 2074 5529

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