For the first time in history, a part of “October Palace” has being evacuated which concerns Deriugina School of Gymnastics in Kiev. The rest of “October Palace” is not closing down but it is in the same critical condition. Deriugina School requests to save the whole building. As a result of this situation, the gymnasts who were training at this Sports Hall are not allowed to train inside.

The October Palace is officially known as the International Center of Culture and Arts”. This building was almost destroyed after Second World War, but was renovated between 1952 and 1959. During Euromaidan protest in 2014, the October Palace became occupied by protesters.

A part of this building is also the main training centre for the Deriugins School, the most important Rhythmic Gymnatics training center in Ukraine. After 2014 protest in Kiev, the gymnasts needed to leave this sports hall and moved to “Atlet” training center. A part of Deriugina School suffered a robbery.

“This building is not only a school of gymnastics, it is a legendary place for gymnasts in Ukraine, were World, European and Olympic medallist used to train. For us, it is like our second home” – said Olympian Anna Rizatdinova.

Deriugina School became a legend in Rhythmic Gymnastics history. It is (and it actually was) a second home, life and training center for thousand of gymnasts for 50 years. Last week, Albina Deriugina (founder of the school) claimed to Ukrainian Government not to close her school. Since 1992, this school runs the biggest international competition in Ukraine “Deriugina Cup”. European, World and Olympic medallist trained at this center.

At first of June of 2020, the Ukrainian authorities closed the access to October Palace for Deriugina School. You can support them under the hashtag #savederiuginaschool , a legendary Sports Hall in Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Coaches:

Albina Deriugina (main coach)

Irina Deriugina (main coach)

Ireesha Blohina (choreographer)

 

Notable Alumni