Promoting Sport and Sharing Expertise. Vinnytsia and the Vinnytsia Region Have Signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Physical Education with the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region

The document marked a logical continuation of the cooperation between Vinnytsia and the region with the French region. The partnership was established in 2025, when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Regional Council of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Vinnytsia Regional Council, the Dijon Metropolitan Area and Vinnytsia City Council.

'We are strengthening our international partnerships with the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and the Dijon Metropolitan Area. We are already actively developing cooperation in the fields of medicine and youth exchanges, and we are now adding sport to the mix. Sport has always brought people together and will continue to do so, uniting those who seek peaceful relations and professional development. Our specialists will be able to exchange experiences, train together and achieve excellent results, bringing glory to their countries. I would like to thank our French partners, and Jean-Marc Clavier, Director of the ‘Burgundy-Franche-Comté Centre for Resources, Expertise and Sporting Excellence’, for their commitment and willingness to cooperate,' said Deputy Mayor Halyna Yakubovych.

The document provides for the development of long-term cooperation, which will cover professional exchanges and training for coaches and sports managers; the development of sports infrastructure; support for mass and inclusive sport; the use of sport as a rehabilitation tool; and the organisation of international sporting events and youth exchanges.

'The protocol represents an important step in the development of relations between the regions of Ukraine and France. For us today, international partnerships are not merely about exchanging experience, but also about practical integration into the European space, as well as a demonstration of solidarity and support for Ukraine from our European partners. A visit by sports administrators to the CREPS Centre has already taken place, where steps were outlined for future delegations. And currently, the first visit by Greco-Roman wrestlers from Vinnytsia and the Vinnytsia region to France is underway. Thank you for the warm welcome and we look forward to further cooperation,' noted Ihor Ivasiuk, Deputy Chair of Vinnytsia Regional Council.

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region was represented online by the Director of the ‘Centre for Resources, Expertise and Sporting Excellence’ (CREPS Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) Jean-Marc Clavier.

'I am very pleased to be taking part in the signing of the protocol today. It opens up new opportunities for long-term cooperation in the fields of sport, rehabilitation, vocational training and youth policy. Last year’s visit by representatives from Vinnytsia region initiated this dialogue, which is now enjoying such a positive continuation and is already yielding its first results. Joint training sessions and the exchange of experiences between athletes demonstrate the spirit of our partnership, as we work together to foster professional and personal relationships, said Jean-Marc Clavier.

As part of the partnership, plans have already been made to hold international training camps for wrestling teams; further sporting exchanges in kayaking, canoeing, cycling and other sports throughout 2026; and the development of joint international projects in the fields of sport and youth policy.

In turn, Vinnytsia and the region are also inviting French athletes and coaches to visit, engage and train together in Ukraine.

'It is important for athletes not only to compete against each other, but also to train together. Everyone has their own strengths and their own methods that can be shared so that we can improve together. That is why the exchange of experience in sport is very important and yields good results in the long term. Generally speaking, the sports systems in Ukraine and France are quite similar, but we have much to learn from one another,' added Serhii Kraievskyi, Chair of the Committee on Physical Culture and Sport of Vinnytsia City Council.