On the eve of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, French Ambassador to Ukraine Gael Vecierre gathered Ukrainian athletes and para-athletes, as well as acting Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matvei Bedny and presidents of the National Olympic Committee and the National Committee of Disabled People’s Sports Sushkevich at the French residence.
As the French Embassy in Ukraine notes on its Facebook page, since the beginning of the Russian aggression, Ukrainian athletes have been training in the most difficult conditions: under shelling, without electricity, with sirens dictating the rhythm of training, at sports bases affected by shelling, in exile. At least 450 Ukrainian athletes have lost their lives. But despite the military challenges, Ukrainians continue to fight, once again demonstrating their incomparable resilience and determination.
As part of its commitment to Ukraine and as the host country of the Games, France supports Ukrainian athletes in every possible way. In particular, the country has granted asylum to many of them and allocated EUR1 million for their training in France.
“I know that Ukrainian Olympians and Paralympians at the Games will be motivated by an extraordinary will to win – Will to Win is your aptly chosen slogan,” the Ambassador said, assuring that Ukrainian colors – yellow and blue – will be at the heart of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
