Basketball, character and memory: youths from Mykolaiv, Voznesensk and Nova Odesa played for the Hero's Cup

In Mykolaiv, the traditional youth basketball cup “Together We Will Win” took place, dedicated to the memory of the Ukrainian serviceman, teacher and athlete Serhiy Hussidi. On June 4, 2026, the Mykolaiv City Council reported this, citing the Department for Physical Culture and Sports.

The competition was held on June 1. Youth teams from Mykolaiv, Voznesensk and Nova Odesa met on the basketball court. The tournament was closely contested, and its participants determined the strongest based on the game results.

• First place was won by SDYUSSHOR No.4 (Mykolaiv-1).
• Second place went to the team from Voznesensk.
• Third place was taken by SDYUSSHOR No.4 (Mykolaiv-2).
• Fourth place was awarded to the team from Nova Odesa.

The tournament has special significance, as it is dedicated to the memory of Serhiy Hussidi — a native of Mykolaiv who combined sport, teaching and military service in his life. He was a teacher, activist and athlete, and in 2014 he took up the defense of Ukraine. According to open sources, Serhiy Hussidi participated in the ATO, defended the Donetsk Airport, and after his service worked with children and youth.

After the start of the full-scale invasion by Russia he returned to the military. Serhiy Hussidi served as a platoon commander of grenade launchers in the 90th Separate Airmobile Battalion and was killed on May 16, 2022 near Vuhledar in Donetsk region.

For the young basketball players this cup was not only an opportunity to compete, but also a reminder of the people thanks to whom Ukraine continues to fight. Such tournaments help preserve the memory of defenders while also instilling in children character, teamwork and respect for those who gave their lives for the country.

The city council noted that the tournament became a symbol of honor and gratitude to the Hero who dedicated his life to serving Ukraine and educating youth.

Previously, we wrote:

• Basketball cup in memory of Serhiy Hussidi: Mykolaiv honored the Hero’s memory
• Niko-Basket secured a confident victory over the Cherkasy Monkeys
• “Niko-Basket” creates a sensation: the Mykolaiv team snatched victory in a dramatic SuperLeague match
• Silver shines too! “Niko-Basket” spun the season like in the NBA!
• Now war veterans and children with autism are also invited to train at the sports schools of the Korabelnyi district