March 30, the Olympic National Sports Complex hosted the XIII annual All-Ukrainian solemn ceremony "Heroes of the Sports Year".

Officials, champions and prize-winners of the Olympic Games, stars of world sports, leading athletes and trainers of Ukraine, representatives of national sports federations, sports associations, journalists became the participants of the event.

The culmination of the event was the announcement of winners in the nominations "Best male athlete of the year" and "Best female athlete of the year". They became the champion of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in freestyle skiing Olexandr Abramenko and the world champion in the 25 metre air pistol shooting event, the bronze medal winner of the World and European Championship in the 10 metre air pistol shooting Olena Kostevych.

The awards to these outstanding athletes were handed by Minister of Youth and Sports Ihor Zhdanov and President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine Serhii Bubka.

"We are all full of positive emotions, everyone was worried about our idols, athletes", said Ihor Zhdanov. "And today they received deserved prizes."

Congratulations from the President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach to the entire sports family was aired by Serhii Bubka. He expressed gratitude to everyone - athletes, trainers, doctors, masseurs, professionals - to the whole great team that works for achieving success.

Enver Ablaiev ("The Best Coach of the Year" nomination), Olena Kostevych and Oleh Omelchuk ("Best Team of the Year" nomination) also received statuettes, which symbolize victory, and valuable presents.

"The Sensation of the Year" was awarded to the world champion in wrestling (68 kg) Alla Cherkasova.

"Olympic Hope of Ukraine" won the two-time champion of the Third Youth Olympic Games on fencing Kateryna Chornii.

It should be noted the ceremony "Heroes of the Sports Year" was initiated by the NOC of Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the participation of the Ukrainian Academy of Sports.

The first celebrations took place in 2007. Since then, this is one of the main events in the sporting life of the country.