A football tournament in memory of Stepan Chubenko took place in Kramatorsk

26.07.2020 11:00

Photo of UAF press service

The sixth traditional tournament in memory of Stepan Chubenko, the goalkeeper of the local Avangard, who died five years ago at the hands of the so-called DNR militants, has come to an end in Kramatorsk.

Eight groups from Kramatorsk, Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk and Poltava took part in the current memorial. At the beginning of the competition the participants were greeted by Stepan's mother and the director of the NOC of Ukraine branch in Donetsk region Dmytro Podopryhora, the teams observed a minute of silence in memory of Stepan Chubenko. 

At the first stage in group "A" three victories were celebrated by players of Kramatorsk "Border Guard", twice Victoria accompanied the team "Pokrovsk GANG". In the other quartet, YGC and Patriot celebrated two victories each, and only thanks to the best difference between goals scored and conceded from the first place, the servicemen reached the semifinals. In the semifinals, "Prykordonnyk" easily dealt with the yellow-greens (5: 1), and "Patriots" scored one goal more - 6: 1. However, this result did not become a record for the tournament, because in the decisive match the "patriots" shipped seven "dry" balls to the border guards. In the match for third place, the arguments of the team from Pokrovsk proved to be more convincing - 3: 2.

Photo of UAF press service

It should also be noted that on the eve of the commemorative events of the NOC of Ukraine in Donetsk region together with the Donetsk regional branch of the Committee for Physical Education and Sports of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Department of Physical Education and Sports of Donbass State Engineering Academy held a contest of motivators. » and a photo collage of images of Stepan's performances on the football field and the history of tournaments in his memory were among the winners.

At the closing ceremony of the tournament, Stepan's parents presented all participants with memorable prizes. Eight goalkeepers of the participating teams received gifts from sponsors. In turn, the Avangard football club prepared memorable paraphernalia, and all teams and all players received footballs from the UAF.

After the tournament, on behalf of the Slovyansk Referees Committee, the participants were greeted by the highest category referee Yuri Ivanov: “The tournament turned out to be very interesting. There was intrigue, heated confrontation in matches involving all teams, and the strongest won.

Photo of UAF press service

It is a pity that such a tragedy happened to Stepan Chubenko. He has not been with us for six years, but everyone remembers him, respects and honors his memory. I talked to one of his teachers. He said that Stepan had a steely character. He was and remains in our hearts a patriot of Ukraine. Stepan was one of the first to fight for his city and his land. That is why this beautiful Ukrainian city now lives in peace and quiet.

By the way, after the beginning of events in the East of the country, I also left Donetsk. He took his wife and two children, and at first we lived in Slovyansk, Poltava and for some time in Kyiv. Later I returned to Slovyansk and I am very glad that I now live in this city. I am in Ukraine with all my heart and soul, I am a citizen of this country and I love it. Therefore, I also want to thank our military, volunteers, all those who stand at the forefront and defend our independence. I want all the guys to come home with a victory. "

Stepan Chubenko

Stepan Chubenko studied at Kramatorsk Secondary School № 12 and was fond of football. He was the goalkeeper of the youth team of Avangard (Kramatorsk) and dreamed of becoming a professional football player. He cheered for Shakhtar Donetsk. With friends, he organized a KVN team and took care of an orphanage in his hometown. I was interested in history. At the beginning of the war in Donbass, he and his friends took part in rallies in support of Ukraine's integrity, carrying water and food to the Ukrainian military who came to defend the city. Risking his life, Stepan removed the flag of the so-called "DPR" in the city square. He was posthumously awarded the Order of the People's Hero of Ukraine.