Iskra v Tobi co-founders Serhii Bokovenko and Vira Kovtun together — A shared belief. A shared purpose.

Our story · NGO “Iskra v Tobi”

Two founders.
One shared spark.

NGO “Iskra v Tobi” is a joint initiative of two people brought together by their belief in every child’s limitless potential, their love of sport and a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

The organisation was founded by Vira Kovtun, head of the organisation, and Serhii Bokovenko, head coach.

The perspective of a mother who understands family life from within, and that of a coach who sees the power of movement and support, came together in one great dream.

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Our co-founders

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Vira Kovtun

Co-founder and Head of NGO “Iskra v Tobi”

“I want every mum and every dad to know that their child has the right to a happy childhood, friendship, sport, development and achievements of their own. Not sometime in the future, but here and now.”

Vira and her vision

For Vira, the story of Iskra v Tobi began with motherhood. Vira is the mother of a daughter with autism. Through her own experience, she knows how important it is to find people who see a child as a person, not a diagnosis.

She initiated the creation of a space where children and their families can find support, new opportunities to grow, connection and fulfilment.

Her vision is not simply to create a sports or development centre, but a genuine community: one where every child is accepted, their individuality respected, and they are supported to believe in themselves and discover their potential.

Supporting families raising children with disabilities and special educational needs is particularly important to her, because a child’s development cannot be separated from their family’s wellbeing and support.

Serhii Bokovenko

Co-founder and Head Coach of NGO “Iskra v Tobi”

“Sport is not only about beating an opponent. Sometimes a child’s greatest victory is their own small step forward. And it is precisely for victories like these that the work is worthwhile.”

Serhii and his approach

Serhii’s journey towards founding the organisation began with sport and many years of working with children. He has spent years coaching children with autism and other developmental differences.

He leads the organisation’s sports work, grounded in the belief that sport should be accessible to everyone.

His role is to develop adaptive sport and inclusive physical education, creating opportunities for children with different physical abilities and developmental needs to take part in physical activity.

This work is not only about sporting achievements. It is also about confidence, independence, teamwork, social skills and the joy of personal victories, both big and small.

Together, the founders want to create a place where sport brings people together, support inspires, and every child has the opportunity to let their own spark shine.

How it beganWhy we created Iskra v Tobi

Today, many families struggle to access adaptive sports activities, inclusive physical education, developmental programmes and qualified support for children with additional needs.

There is a particularly acute shortage of accessible spaces, specially trained coaches and specialists prepared to work with children with disabilities, autism and other developmental differences.

As a result, children are often left out of sports clubs, creative activities and an active social life, despite their strong desire to learn, move, make friends, develop and be part of a team.

The desire to change this situation led to the creation of the NGO “Iskra v Tobi”.

We believe developmental differences should not stand in the way of a happy childhood. Inclusion is not simply the chance to be nearby, but the chance to be together: to participate, make friends, learn and succeed.

We want to create an environment where a child is seen first and foremost as a person, with their own dreams, talents, wishes and unique abilities.

What we are working towardsOur purpose

The main purpose of NGO “Iskra v Tobi” is to create an accessible, safe, inclusive and supportive environment for children’s all-round development through adaptive sport, inclusive physical education, psychological support, rehabilitation, educational, creative and social programmes.

We want every child, regardless of health, developmental needs or physical abilities, to have equal access to activities, connection, personal fulfilment and an active life.

We pay particular attention to children with disabilities, autism spectrum conditions and other special educational needs.

At the same time, our organisation welcomes all children. Genuine inclusion grows where children with different abilities learn to interact, support one another and grow together.

Our philosophy

Be yourself.
And know that you belong.

We do not seek to change children so they become like everyone else. We seek to change the world around them so every child can be themselves.

We believe every child is a unique person, with their own abilities, dreams, needs and pace of development.

Our role is not to make a child fit accepted standards, but to create conditions in which they feel accepted, valued, confident and happy.

We want children with autism, disabilities and other developmental differences to have equal opportunities to enjoy sport, learn, create, make friends and achieve their goals.

We do not divide children into “ordinary” and “special”. Every child is unique in their individuality, and every child deserves equal opportunities.

Inclusion is not about allowing a child to be nearby.
It is about truly belonging to a community.

Our values

Five values in the name ISKRA

ISKRA means “spark” in Ukrainian. The initials of the Ukrainian words for inclusion, sport, team, development and adaptation spell our name.

Inclusion

Every child matters.

Sport

Movement opens up possibilities.

Team

We are stronger together.

Development

Every small step is a great victory.

Adaptation

Creating opportunities for everyone.

Our guiding belief

It should not be a child’s task to adapt to a world that does not accept them. Together, we must create a world with a place for everyone.

We do not seek to make all children the same. We seek to create a world where every child can be themselves, develop at their own pace, feel supported and celebrate their achievements.

Because every child has a spark of their own. Our role is to help it shine!

Iskra v Tobi: different abilities, equal rights, a shared future.

NGO “Iskra v Tobi”: where possibilities are stronger than limitations, and the future takes shape together.

Let’s keep in touch

Have an idea or want to help?

Get in touch to discuss partnerships, volunteering or the organisation’s future programmes.

+380 63 533-59-69 vira.iskravtobi@gmail.com Zhytomyr, Ukraine

Two founders.One shared spark.