The jubilee 30th international training camp of the Olympic Dreams project has concluded in Italy, becoming particularly significant both in terms of its sporting content and its deep spiritual and symbolic meaning.
During the camp, Ukrainian athletes trained at the Gruppi Sportivi Fiamme Gialle base alongside world judo champions under the guidance of the renowned Italian coach Antonio Ciano. The joint training sessions became a unique experience of professional growth, exchange of practices, and international sporting unity — something Ukraine especially needs today.
During the camp, Ukrainian athletes trained at the Gruppi Sportivi Fiamme Gialle base alongside world judo champions under the guidance of the renowned Italian coach Antonio Ciano. The joint training sessions became a unique experience of professional growth, exchange of practices, and international sporting unity — something Ukraine especially needs today.
A special highlight of the camp was an audience with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, during which the Holy Father personally blessed the young Ukrainian athletes, expressed sincere support for Ukraine, and wished them peace, strength of spirit, and resilience. For the participants of Olympic Dreams, this meeting became a once-in-a-lifetime event that will remain in their hearts forever.
Photo: Vatican Media
As part of the team’s stay in Rome, a meeting also took place with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash. He emphasized the importance of international support for Ukrainian youth, the significance of sports diplomacy, and the role of projects such as Olympic Dreams in shaping Ukraine’s future.
A highlight on the final day was a joint training session joined by both Antonio Ciano and the initiator and patron of the Olympic Dreams project, Anatoliy Boyko. During a ceremonial presentation, the Ukrainian Judo Federation awarded Anatoliy Boyko a black belt — first dan — as a sign of gratitude for his consistent support of Ukrainian judo and athletes during wartime.
A highlight on the final day was a joint training session joined by both Antonio Ciano and the initiator and patron of the Olympic Dreams project, Anatoliy Boyko. During a ceremonial presentation, the Ukrainian Judo Federation awarded Anatoliy Boyko a black belt — first dan — as a sign of gratitude for his consistent support of Ukrainian judo and athletes during wartime.
The President of the Ukrainian Judo Federation, Mykhailo Koshliak, emphasized:
“Awarding the first dan to Anatoliy Boyko is not only a sporting recognition, but also a profound sign of respect for his contribution to the development of Ukrainian judo during an exceptionally difficult period for the country. His support enables our athletes to continue training and growing at the international level. The Ukrainian Judo Federation highly values such dedication to the sport.”
The initiator and patron of the Olympic Dreams project, Anatoliy Boyko, upon receiving the first dan, said:
“For me, judo is not just a sport. It is a path that began in childhood and continues today alongside our children, who, despite the war, keep dreaming, working, and fighting. Receiving the first dan from the Ukrainian Judo Federation is a great honor and responsibility. I am grateful for the trust and for the opportunity to support Ukrainian athletes together during this challenging time for the country.”
“Awarding the first dan to Anatoliy Boyko is not only a sporting recognition, but also a profound sign of respect for his contribution to the development of Ukrainian judo during an exceptionally difficult period for the country. His support enables our athletes to continue training and growing at the international level. The Ukrainian Judo Federation highly values such dedication to the sport.”
The initiator and patron of the Olympic Dreams project, Anatoliy Boyko, upon receiving the first dan, said:
“For me, judo is not just a sport. It is a path that began in childhood and continues today alongside our children, who, despite the war, keep dreaming, working, and fighting. Receiving the first dan from the Ukrainian Judo Federation is a great honor and responsibility. I am grateful for the trust and for the opportunity to support Ukrainian athletes together during this challenging time for the country.”
Anatoliy Boyko, initiator of the Olympic Dreams project
The jubilee 30th Olympic Dreams camp in Italy once again confirmed that the combination of professional sport, international support, spiritual strength, and faith in children creates the foundation upon which the future of Ukrainian sport is built.
Contact details:
Email: uachildrenfund@gmail.com
Website: maydit.com.ua/olympic_dreams
Facebook: @olympic.dreams.project
Instagram: @olympic_dreams_ua
Website: maydit.com.ua/olympic_dreams
Facebook: @olympic.dreams.project
Instagram: @olympic_dreams_ua