The Jerusalem Post

Israeli investors to build sports complex in Ukraine

Facility to be constructe­d in Bucha, which recently witnessed a massacre by Russian armed forces

- • By ZACHY HENNESSEY

In a display of internatio­nal support and collaborat­ion, a group of Israeli investors hailing from the real estate sector is spearheadi­ng the constructi­on of an advanced sports and leisure complex in the city of Bucha, Ukraine. With an estimated investment of approximat­ely $1.2 million, this ambitious project aims to revitalize the region and provide much-needed recreation­al facilities for the local population. Spanning 2,700 square meters, the complex is set to open its doors to the public this upcoming summer.

Prior to the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, this picturesqu­e city was home to around 40,000 individual­s, primarily from the middle-upper class. However, as the tides of war engulfed the nation, Bucha endured a brief occupation and underwent a massacre at the hands of Russian armed forces, before being liberated by valiant Ukrainian forces. Many residents from across Ukraine, specifical­ly in the Bucha region, are gradually returning to their homes and actively seeking a semblance of normalcy.

CPA Alex Sotovsky, an Israeli certified public accountant specializi­ng in business developmen­t and financial management for Israeli companies operating in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of internatio­nal assistance in Ukraine’s ongoing reconstruc­tion efforts.

“Like many other cities in

Ukraine, Bucha is also in the midst of a reconstruc­tion and enjoys an influx of internatio­nal budgets. However, funding is not enough. Many cities in the country are unable to deal with the restoratio­n of the damages on their own and they need the assistance of entreprene­urial companies and foreign execution companies in a wide variety of fields, especially those operating in the field of real estate, health and leisure infrastruc­ture,” he said.

The forthcomin­g country club in Bucha, slated to open its doors this August, is situated within a new and contempora­ry commercial center that was erected in the city two years ago. The country club will feature amenities such as a swimming pool, heated pools for

children, a dedicated pool for infants, a spa area with changing rooms, a jacuzzi, a sauna, specialize­d rooms for various sports discipline­s, a gymnasium, an area for functional training, designated spaces for both personal and group training, a martial arts complex and an engaging activity center for children, encompassi­ng summer camps, diverse sports classes and playrooms.

According to Sotovsky, who represents the group of Israeli investors, the physical revitaliza­tion of Ukrainian cities must be complement­ed by efforts to address the psychologi­cal and emotional healing required by the nation’s residents, especially those residing in conflict-ridden areas. This represents a significan­t business opportunit­y for foreign investors, as Sotovsky explained.

“Many studies show that sports activities have a positive mental effect and it helps a lot in reducing stress, dealing with anxieties and improving mood. In Ukraine, people are thirsty for it. They are looking for familiar points of sanity and normalcy,” he said.

“Ukrainians are trying to get back to normal and rebuild their lives, partly through sports activities,” he added. “Although the war is not yet over, we are already seeing a significan­t increase in the demand for registrati­on at gyms in the main cities of the country and the expectatio­n is that the flow will increase as the country returns to normal.”

 ?? (Courtesy) ?? A SIMULATION of the complex’s gym.
(Courtesy) A SIMULATION of the complex’s gym.

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