Anna Sorokina, the Chef de Mission of the Ukrainian team competing at the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Vuokatti 2022, delivered a powerful and emotional speech to the European Olympic family gathered here in Finland.

Speaking at the “International Evening” dinner organised by the Finnish Olympic Committee and Vuokatti 2022 Organising Committee, Sorokina said, “From the bottom of the hearts of our athletes, coaches, their families, and all Ukrainian people, I want to thank you for making us feel alive. The most important thing for every country is the youth. They are our future.”

There are 26 young Ukrainian athletes participating in this week’s (20-25 March) competition, with their attendance supported by the EOC, Finnish Olympic Committee, and a number of other National Olympic Committees (NOCs). During the Opening Ceremony, the team received a heart-warming reception from the 43 other countries competing in Vuokatti.

“Thank you for all your support, your kind words. I have received many warm messages during these challenging days,” Sorokina added. “We really feel that you care about Ukraine. Sport is the main tool for the development of humankind values in our future generations. Without the big hearts of the other countries in Europe, it would not have been possible for the participation of our team this week.

“Of course, it is not about the results, it is about our gratitude for being able to continue the history of the Olympic Movement in Ukraine. We will never forget, we will always remember. Sport give us strength and unites us all. Thank you.”

Sorokina’s moving words were followed by a standing ovation from the EOC Executive Committee members and the NOC representatives in the room, as the EOC family continues to stand firmly in solidarity with Ukraine.