A recent event in Suceava, Romania, saw 120 children, including 20 Ukrainian refugees, participate in activities with Olympic athletes as part of the Integration of Ukrainian Refugees Through Sports (IURTS) project, which aims to support the integration of young refugees through physical activity.

In an inspiring initiative, Suceava Sport for All hosted a memorable event for 120 children, where they had the opportunity to interact with five Olympic athletes before the commencement of the school year. Among the participants, 20 Ukrainian children, who are refugees from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, found joy in this Olympic experience. Mihai Androhovici, the Director of Suceava Sport for All, stated that the children cherished their time with the Olympians, who had recently celebrated their achievements. “For the participating children, they lived those moments to the fullest,” said Androhovici. The children delighted in interacting with Olympic medals and mascots, taking photographs with champion athletes, and engaging in physical activities alongside them. This event was part of the Integration of Ukrainian Refugees Through Sports (IURTS) project, co-funded by the European Union, which seeks to provide refugees with safe sporting activities in Romania. The IURTS initiative has facilitated the integration of Romanian and Ukrainian children through sports programming. Denys, a fourth grader, expressed excitement about meeting athlete Andrei Cornea, stating, “I liked him because he is powerful and purposeful. I learned that it’s important to do sport. If you are told you can’t, just go ahead and see if you like it. And if you do, continue to pursue it.” Cornea, who won a gold medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics, actively engaged with the children, leading warm-up activities and allowing them to handle his medal. Cornea encouraged the children to dream big, asserting, “Since 2016 I have worked continuously to get an Olympic medal. Don’t stop dreaming because it’s the simplest and most beautiful [thing].” Other notable Olympians at the event included Cristina Iloc-Casandra, Madalina Amaistroaie, and Ioana Madalina Morosan, who shared their athletic experiences with the young participants. Additionally, Yaroslav, who enjoys football, found pleasure in exploring badminton, expressing that it resembled his beloved sport. Denys described his pride in following Team Ukraine at the Paris 2024 Olympics and shared his admiration for Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s gold medal performance in the high jump. Maintaining connections to their homeland remains significant for these children amidst the continuing conflict. The IURTS program not only facilitates sporting activities but also provides classroom materials for local educators, assisting in the adaptation of lessons for Ukrainian students. Teachers have reported that incorporating sports into the curriculum promotes interaction and creates a sense of safety for the children. Thus far, the IURTS project has positively impacted over 10,000 children and supported more than 150 educators across 60 educational institutions and sports clubs, continuing to foster integration and support through sports initiatives.

The article discusses an initiative aimed at aiding Ukrainian refugee children through sports activities in Suceava, Romania. In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the project facilitates integration by providing sporting experiences that engage both Romanian and Ukrainian children. The event was made possible through partnerships, notably with Laureus Sport for Good and the European Union, to implement the IURTS project, which emphasizes physical activity as a means of connection and community-building. The involvement of Olympic athletes adds a level of inspiration and engagement for the children, making the experience not just fun but also educational and motivational.

The Suceava Sport for All program demonstrates the power of sports in fostering community and support for Ukrainian refugee children amidst ongoing adversity. By connecting them with Olympic champions and providing safe spaces for physical activity, the IURTS project not only aids in their integration into Romanian society but also helps maintain their connection to their homeland. The program serves as a model for similar initiatives seeking to support displaced communities through sports and education.

Original Source: www.sportanddev.org

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