Sunflower School Pupils Meet Renowned Ukrainian Olympians
On 16 May, pupils of our Ukrainian Saturday School Sunflower in Milton Keynes joined more than 200 Ukrainian children across the UK and beyond for the latest session of the international educational project “Olympians Inspire – Children Shape Their Future”. This inspiring initiative brings together young Ukrainians living abroad and outstanding Olympic athletes of Ukraine, helping children stay connected to their roots, values and national pride.
The event united pupils from Edinburgh, Dundee, Malvern, Leicester, and children from Popasna (a city in Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine, now largely destroyed and occupied following the 2022 Russian invasion) who now study in different parts of the world. Our Sunflower students were delighted to be part of this powerful shared experience.
The project is organised by the Association of Olympians of Ukraine with the support of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, the Olympic Academy of Ukraine, and the NOC Commission for Ukrainians Abroad.
The meeting opened with greetings from Nina Umanets, President of the Association of Olympians of Ukraine and Olympic silver medallist in rowing. She conveyed warm wishes from Vadym Huttsait, President of the NOC of Ukraine and Olympic champion, encouraging children to believe in their dreams and pursue their goals with confidence.
“We want children to feel the strength of sport and be inspired by the example of Olympians. Today, despite the distance and time zones, we are all together – like one family,” emphasised Nina Umanets, highlighting the mission of the project.
Participants were also welcomed by Petro Revko, Head of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, who called the event truly unique and expressed his hope to expand the project to all Ukrainian Saturday schools across the UK. He reminded everyone that Ukrainians, no matter where they live, remain one family united by shared values and culture.
Additional greetings came from Lidiya Radchenko, Vice President of the Olympic Academy of Ukraine, and Ivan Revko, Deputy Head of AUGB. The meeting was moderated by Maryna Ustenko, Director of the School of Olympic Education.
Children Meet Olympic Champions
The highlight of the event was the opportunity for children to speak directly with celebrated Ukrainian Olympians. They shared stories of their victories, challenges, and the determination that shaped their sporting careers.
Among the speakers were:
Olena Pidhrushna, Olympic champion in biathlon
Pavlo Tymoshchenko, Olympic silver medallist in modern pentathlon
Olena Hovorova, Olympic bronze medallist in athletics
Heorhii Zantaraia, Olympian and world champion in judo
Our Sunflower pupils eagerly asked questions, spoke about their own dreams, and shared how sport helps them stay resilient, make friends, and feel connected to Ukraine even while far from home.
This meeting once again demonstrated that Olympic values, the support of outstanding athletes, and a strong sense of unity continue to guide young Ukrainians toward new achievements, no matter the distance from their homeland.
At Sunflower School, we support our pupils in nurturing confidence, identity and ambition — strengthening every child’s growth and success.
