Kryvyi Rih National University

CONTEMPORARY LIFE OF THE DEPARTMENT
Since ancient times, humanity has recognized the importance of physical culture in strengthening health and combating premature aging. Scientists have long emphasized the urgent need for physical exercise to preserve and extend life. By fulfilling its general and specific functions, physical culture and physical education contribute to the harmonious development of a student’s personality, carrying profound educational and developmental value.

A few years ago, our familiar way of life underwent significant disruptions. The conditions of the pandemic and martial law in the country, which necessitated shifting the educational process online, substantially restricted students’ access to gyms and reduced the volume of practical sessions under faculty supervision. This had a adverse effect on the health of the youth. Nevertheless, despite all adversities, the discipline “Physical Education and Basics of a Healthy Lifestyle” remains a foundational element in preparing studying youth for their future professional careers, serving as an effective tool for disease prevention, health preservation, and wellness enhancement.

In this scenario, persuading young people of the value of independent physical exercise becomes particularly crucial. Training highly qualified specialists who are competitive in the labor market and capable of competent, responsible, and effective performance in their fields is impossible without elevating the role of independent work among students, which aims to stimulate their professional growth and nurture their creative drive.

In addition to academic classes, the department staff conducts extensive mass participation sports, educational, and mentoring activities with the university’s student youth.

The university’s sports facilities meet modern requirements for conducting the educational process, athletic training, and competitions for students, faculty, and staff.

To engage higher education students in sports, active sports clubs have been established and operate within the university for volleyball, weightlifting, and futsal.

Our university’s athletes actively participate in sports and recreational events at Kryvyi Rih National University, within the city of Kryvyi Rih, and across the region. These include the KNU “Freshman” Spartakiad and the intramural games between faculty varsity teams; the Open Volleyball Tournament dedicated to the Day of Physical Culture and Sports; a friendly futsal match between faculty and students dedicated to the International Day of University Sport; the “Liberation Cup” men’s volleyball tournament dedicated to the memory of Ukraine’s fallen heroes; the “Color of Ukraine” women’s volleyball tournament held in honor of the Day of Femininity, Beauty, and Love; the youth weightlifting tournament of Kryvyi Rih; and the Futsal “Rector’s Cup.”

The varsity teams of KNU honorably defend the university’s reputation in away competitions. A major milestone for the men’s volleyball team was their participation in the 2025 Universiade among higher education institutions of the Dnipropetrovsk Region. In a fiercely contested struggle among nine teams, they secured a prestigious 2nd place finish.

Department lecturers systematically hold discussions with university students about cultivating the need for a healthy lifestyle and the destructive impact of harmful habits on the body.

Great attention is also dedicated to the health of faculty and staff members. To maintain their working capacity at an appropriate level and prevent occupational illnesses, they are provided with opportunities to train in sports sections under the guidance of experienced specialists. As a culmination of these athletic endeavors, the “Vigor and Health” Spartakiad is held annually for faculty and staff.