The History of Race Walking Development in Volyn Region During the Years of Independent Ukraine

Abstract

Topicality. During the years of Ukrainian independence the race walking in Volyn region has been one of the leading athletic disciplines. In the process of development race walking has played a significant role in glorifying Ukraine at various international competitions. The race walkers have contributed a lot to the development of athletics in Volyn, Ukraine, Europe and all over the world. The progress of race walking is assessed by the training results of high-level athlets and their successful performances at the competitions. The flag of Ukraine was repeatedly raised at European and international competitions and the anthem of Ukraine was played to honor the victory of Ukrainian athletes. The results of the athletes’ performances are not always objectively announced and get forgotten over the years. The Purpose of the Research is to analyze the historical development of race walking in Volyn region during the years of independent Ukraine. Methods of the Research. Historical and pedagogical analysis of archival documents, reports of the Spartak, Dynamo, Kolos, Ukraina and Avangard sports organisations, interviews with coaches and chiefs of sports clubs, children’s and youth sports school and internet informational sources have been used in the research. Results of the Research. The analysis and generalization of archival reports and coaches surveys enabled to reve- al the historical development process of race walking in Volyn region. The sports organizations in 1991 after the USSR collapse could maintain this kind of athletics. Over the years the number of organizations that contributed to race walking progress in Volyn region gradually expanded. It enabled the Volyn athletes to achieve remarkable results and perform successfully at the international competitions. Since the declaration of Independence of Ukraine 7 participants of the Olympic games, 15 Masters of Sports of International Class, 31 Masters of Sports of Ukraine and 100 Candidates for Masters of Sports have been trained in Volyn region. During this period Volyn athletes have obtained 11 golden, 6 silver and 4 bronze awards at the European and World Championships. The Conclusions. The accomplished histo- rical and pedagogical analysis of the race walking progress in Volyn region enabled to single out certain athlets` achievements in independent Ukraine. A great contribution to the development of race walking in Volyn region has been made by Lesya Ukrainka   Volyn National University and Liubeshiv Children’s and Youth School. The Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University became the basis for providing adult athletes, when Liubeshiv Children’s and Youth School provided the schoolchildren with training classes. Moreover, these institutions provide the oppor- tunity of enhancing sports skills and glorifying Volyn region and Ukraine at the various international competitions.