University of Customs and Finance

Athletic life at the higher education institution is systematic and built upon long-standing traditions in the development of physical culture and sports. A key role in this process is played by the Department of Physical Education, founded in 1997 as part of the Academy of Customs Service of Ukraine. Throughout its development, the department has repeatedly shifted its structural alignment in response to the institution’s transformations, while consistently maintaining steadfast approaches to the organization of physical education and the training of student-athletes.

Since 2007, the department has functioned as the Department of Physical Education and Special Training, and since 2016, it has been integrated into the Faculty of Finance at the University of Customs and Finance. Since 2019, the department has been headed by Associate Professor Irina Mykolaivna Lutsenko, Candidate of Sciences (PhD) in Physical Education and Sports.

The higher education institution has established an effective physical education system that seamlessly blends academic classes, sports club activities, and active student participation in competitions at various levels. Significant emphasis is placed on promoting a healthy lifestyle, engaging the student youth in regular physical activity, and expanding mass participation sports.

Concurrently, the university boasts robust traditions in training elite athletes. Over its years of operation, it has produced 10 Honored Masters of Sports of Ukraine, 21 Masters of Sports of International Class, 103 Masters of Sports of Ukraine, and 128 Candidates for Master of Sports. The university’s student-athletes are winners and medalists of the World University Games (Universiades), World Games, European and World Championships and Cups, as well as the Olympic, Paralympic, and Deaflympic Games.

Intramural sports events, such as spartakiads, tournaments, and championships across various disciplines, are traditionally held at the institution, helping to engage a broad audience of students in physical culture. The finest athletes represent the university in municipal, regional, and all-Ukrainian competitions, consistently delivering top-tier performances.

The high administrative standard of athletic endeavors is evidenced by the university’s achievements: six victories in the Summer Universiades of Ukraine, two titles in the Student Sports Games of Ukraine, and numerous podium finishes in all-Ukrainian contests for the best advancement of physical education and sports. Notably, in 2017, the university emerged as the champion of the XXVIII Regional Summer Universiade and a medalist in national competitions.

An essential component of athletic life is also the interaction with student self-government bodies and the endorsement of initiatives targeted at advancing university sports. Established traditions encompass the systematic holding of sports events, the recognition of student-athletes’ accomplishments, and the active involvement of first-year students in physical fitness and health-oriented activities.

Overall, the university’s sporting environment is characterized by a combination of mass student sports and elite-level sports performance, aligned with modern national priorities in the sphere of physical culture and sports development.