Olexandr Bilokurenko (BC “Skifs”) about his own baseball
Baseball is very democratic game and everyone can play it. In basketball, for example, high growth is preferable and in football – running skills. As of baseball, everyone can realize his own potential. If person has rather weak hurl but it is well-directed, then he could become good pitcher. Having strong but not accurate beat boy can be a member of outfielder group. While person who are inactive and has big constitution can became a great catcher. Olexandr Bilokurenko plays in short stop position. He, like many others, has fallen in love with this game after watching American films. He tried to play this game in the yard with children. But after a while, professional baseball section in school was opened.
– I started doing baseball when I was 11 years old. The first competitions took place in Kyiv, where our team took the third place. Baseball is dynamic game, which develops strength, ability to think several moves ahead and team spirit. Thus, step by step, I became hot for baseball. I`ve been being in baseball for more than 20 years and it has become an essential part of my life – player of “Skifs” team says.
Olexandr Bilokurenko plays in the “Skifs” team (Simferopol). Baseball isn’t very popular in the Crimea region. But now this game has been becoming more and more interesting for Ukrainians. Thus, Crimea has already opened two children`s baseball sections in local schools and two sections of softball.
Coaches and players urge leaders of the country to pay more attention to high achievements of Ukrainian athletes.
– There is no funding, so we can look for donations, and rely on own and sponsor funds. Thus, recently, baseball team from Kropyvnytskyi city has found sponsor. The “BioTexCom” team has unveiled its potential at once. Baseball isn’t developed and supported by the government, because it doesn’t consider it a priority sport. But our athletes have good results and take prizes – Genadiy Bobenko notes.
Popularity of baseball has been growing in Ukraine from year to year. And baseball players from “Skifs” team say, regardless of funding, they will try to increase the popularity of this game and will improve it with their victories during the championships.
As of baseball “democracy” it is true. It’s great everyone who wants can try himself in this game. It will be place on the field for everyone. In such way one can transform his weak sides into strong. And thus it is possible to become great player of the certain position. I suppose it is very interesting. Not every, but only few games have such opportunities.
I think baseball in Crimea suffers now. As we know there are military actions in this place. Moreover Russian Federation has occupied this Ukrainian territory. It is very sad situation. Sport will stop its development there. I hope this war will end in the nearest future. And local baseball clubs will develop. Some days ago I have heard about one more Ukrainian team. It is “BioTexCom” baseball club. They are from Kropyvnytskyi city. They are real champions. U21 has won the European championship. It was a great surprise for all. They now have great sponsor. Thus, their deals will become better.