SPORT
Oleksandr Mykolayovych Balamut was born and raised in Horokhiv. In early 50’s becomes the student of Lviv Institute of Physical Culture and successfully competes for Lviv’s football and handball teams. Oleksandr becomes handball player of the highest class he competes for Lviv in 1953, for UkrainianSSR in 1954 and for USSR in 1955 in Moscow. Young Oleksandr Balamut receives invitation from Moscow, Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv but he returns to Horokhiv and becomes Physical – Education teacher in high school.
With the students he organizes the handball team. In 1960 Horokhiv’s handball team defends Volyn title at town republican games and become champions of Ukraine. From 1960 to mid 70’s men’s team were 14 times champions and women’s team 12 times champions. In Minsk (Vsosouzna Spartakyada) youth girls’ team from Horokhiv became champions. Thanks to success of Horokhiv handball players finals of handball championships of Ukraine were held in Horokhiv. In August 1968 finals of Republican championships of handball were held DST “Kolhospnyk” were Horokhiv’s team won. The athletes successfully competed in Poland, Czechoslovakia, G.D.R, Romania and were often hosts of the tournaments.
1970 was the peak year of Horokhiv’s handball. In November Lutsk hosted championships of Soviet Union among town teams. Teams from 13 Republics participated in the championship. Ukraine was represented by Horokhiv’s team. In the finals Horokhiv defeated Georgia (18:20), Armenia (28:18), Estonia (27:23) tied with Moldova (20:20) and defeated Russian Federation (19:12). Representing Ukraine Horokhiv’s team did not lose a single game during the championships and became champions of Soviet Union in town team category. Second was Georgia and third Estonia. Year after the women’s team won silver in championships of Soviet Union in Kuybyshev, Russia.
In 1971 for successful coaching O.M. Balamut was awarded coach (zvanya zasluzhenoho trenera) of Ukraine. Thanks to the success of handball in 1970 Horokhiv has active school of football. From 1988 in Horokhiv or Lutsk Republican tournament of O.M. Balamut prize is held for 13-14 year old junior athletes. |
