A New Country for the Olympic Dreams Project: The 18th International Olympic Reserve Camp Takes Place in Italy

2025-05-16 20:02

The Olympic Dreams project has launched its 18th international training camp — this time in Italy, at the sports facility of the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Guard of the Italian Republic). Cadets and juniors of the Ukrainian National Judo Team are training with the best Italian judokas.

Over the course of several weeks, Ukraine’s young Olympic hopefuls are undergoing intensive training in safe conditions, gaining invaluable international experience, and improving their physical performance as they prepare for upcoming national and international tournaments.

Anatoliy Boyko, initiator and philanthropist of the Olympic Dreams project, together with cadets and juniors of the Ukrainian National Team

A traditional element of sports diplomacy within the Olympic Dreams project is a ceremonial event that brings together young athletes, coaches, diplomats, and project partners.

As part of the official ceremony, tribute was paid to those who gave their lives defending Ukraine.

Honoring fallen soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is an essential part of all international events within the Olympic Dreams camps.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Italian Republic, Yaroslav Melnyk, and Olympic Dreams initiator Anatoliy Boyko. A moment of silence

“We are grateful to Italy for supporting Ukraine. Sports diplomacy is an extremely important part of this support, as sports and cultural synergy play a crucial role in building strong international friendships. Our young athletes are already winners. They show the world their strength of spirit, their unity, and their determination to succeed. Your resilience is a true example of courage and inspiration for all of us,” said Ambassador of Ukraine to the Italian Republic, Yaroslav Melnyk, during the ceremony honoring the Ukrainian participants.

Yaroslav Melnyk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Italy

The participants of the project are primarily children from the war-affected regions. The project not only provides them with a safe environment for living and developing in professional sports, but also restores their hope for a better future in Ukraine.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Italy Yaroslav Melnyk, CEO of the Olympic Dreams project Oleksandra Novikova, Secretary General of Olympic Dreams Oleksandra Starkova

Olympic Dreams project team

“Italy is the ninth country to welcome us within the project, and it has become a vital link in the systemic support of Ukrainian youth through sports. Every time our athletes win on the international stage, every time the Ukrainian flag is raised and our anthem is played — each new medal strengthens our faith and brings us closer to victory. It is a source of moral support for our soldiers and for all of Ukraine,” emphasized Anatoliy Boyko, initiator and philanthropist of the Olympic Dreams project.

The Olympic Dreams project was launched in 2022, and since then, 18 international training camps have been held in 9 countries: Cyprus, Israel, Greece, Spain, Japan, Slovakia, Austria, the Netherlands, and now Italy.

Anatoliy Boyko, Olympic Dreams initiator, and Yaroslav Melnyk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Italy

Oleksandra Novikova, CEO of Olympic Dreams, and Ylenia Scapin, two-time Olympic medalist

The project operates under memoranda of cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the National Olympic Committee (Kyiv region), the Ukrainian Judo Federation, the Ivan Piddubny Olympic College, the city councils of Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel, as well as a number of international partners.

Photos by: Kateryna Zaika

Information and contact details:

Email: uachildrenfund@gmail.com
Website: maydit.com.ua/olympic_dreams
Facebook: @olympic.dreams.project
Instagram: @olympic_dreams_ua