Olympic Dreams in Switzerland for the Third Time: Ukrainian Judokas Begin Training in Fiesch
2026-07-21 22:16
The 37th international training camp of the Olympic Dreams project has begun in Fiesch, in the Swiss canton of Valais. It is the project’s third camp in Switzerland.
Ukrainian judokas are training as part of the international Sergei Judo Camp, founded and organised by Sergei Aschwanden, an Olympic medallist and President of the Swiss Judo & Ju-Jitsu Federation.
Philippe Lain-Nau, Iryna Venediktova, Sergei Aschwanden, Oleksandra Novikova, Anatolii Laskuta
For the second consecutive year, the Swiss side has invited Ukrainian athletes to take part in the Sergei Judo Camp. This support has become an important component of the cooperation between the Olympic Dreams project, the Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland, and the Swiss Judo & Ju-Jitsu Federation.
Addressing the camp participants, Iryna Venediktova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein, emphasised the special role athletes play in representing Ukraine internationally:
“Today, each of you represents Ukraine on the international stage. The way you train, communicate with participants from other countries, and represent our nation with dignity is sports diplomacy in action. It enables the world to see a strong, talented, and indomitable Ukraine and creates connections that will extend far beyond the sporting arena. My wish for you is to make the most of the opportunities offered by this camp, return home stronger, and build on the experience you have gained with new successful performances.”
Anatoliy Boyko, initiator and patron of Olympic Dreams, noted that one of the project’s primary objectives is to transform international support for Ukrainian athletes into long-term cooperation:
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that support for Ukrainian athletes is systematic in every country where Olympic Dreams is implemented. To achieve this, we are building lasting partnerships that enable our athletes to train regularly in safe conditions, gain international experience, and maintain continuity in their preparation. Switzerland is a compelling example of such cooperation.”
Anatoliy Boyko, initiator and patron of the Olympic Dreams project and Iryna Venediktova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Switzerland
Participation in the international Sergei Judo Camp gives Ukrainian judokas an opportunity to continue their full-fledged preparation, train alongside more than 500 athletes from 14 countries, exchange experience, and build professional connections that are important for their future development.
The Olympic Dreams project has been implemented by The Future for Children Charitable Foundation since March 2022. Its mission is to preserve Ukraine’s sporting reserve, provide young athletes with safe training conditions, and help them represent Ukraine with dignity on the international stage.