On April 21, the World Team Walking Championship ended in Antalya, which was remembered not only for the Olympic license of Ivan Banzeruk and Olena Sobchuk (see the link for more details about the performances of the Ukrainians), but also for the special support of Ukrainian speed walkers.
After all, next to Antalya is the shelter of the Children’s Fund “Childhood without War” for Ukrainian orphans who were evacuated from Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion.
“Undoubtedly, the main task of our project is to provide safe and comfortable living for orphans while the war continues in Ukraine. But apart from that, each member of our team considers it their mission to create conditions under which children would grow up to be true patriots, love Ukraine and be proud of it,” the “Childhood without War” foundation notes.
Therefore, with the assistance of the Ukrainian and Turkish national athletics federations and the NOC of Ukraine, an opportunity was created for orphans to visit the world championship and cheer for Ukrainian sprinters.
“Ants ran on the skin when the children shouted “Ukraine”. Moreover, they shouted our names. We haven’t felt such support for a long time,” said Ukrainian sprinter Maryan Zakalnytskyi.
Also, head coach Maksym Ostrovsky, Viktor Bryzgin and Olena Borysiuk told the children about the peculiarities of sport walking, introduced them to Ukrainian athletes who participated in the World Team Championship, and presented souvenirs and sports equipment.
The owner of the photos is the Charity Foundation “Childhood without War”. See the link for more photos.