The national team of Ukraine arrived in Australia to compete in the 16th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Melbourne from Dec. 13-18 and was greeted by a “sea of blue and yellow” as the plane touched down at Melbourne airport.
According to the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO), members of the Ukrainian-Australian community in Melbourne will support the five Ukrainian swimmers, cheering them on in Ukrainian while racing in the competition and even feeding them some homemade Ukrainian meals.
The continued participation of Ukrainian athletes and cultural performers in international events has been important for the morale of Ukrainians worldwide.
“Even though Russia has unleashed its brutal war on the people of Ukraine, its sporting and cultural champions are continuing to represent Ukraine on the international stage to show that we are strong and will not be beaten,” said Stefan Romaniw, AFUO Co-Chair and UWC First Vice President.
“Ukrainians want to show the world that Russia will never destroy our spirit and determination for a free and independent Ukraine,” he added.
The participation of Ukrainian athletes and performers on the world stage is also essential to continue to raise support for Ukraine.
“Every time anyone sees a Ukrainian athlete or performer, they are reminded about what is happening in Ukraine and what personal obstacles these people must have overcome to be traveling internationally. We want to thank the world for all it has done to help Ukraine, but also remind it that the job is not yet done,” said Romaniw.
