In the very heart of Ukraine’s capital at Sofiyivs’ka square, a high-profile farewell ceremony took place to send off the National Olympic team to the Games of the XXXI Olympiad which are held between 5 and 21 of August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Wide audience of guests, fans, friends and relatives from all over Ukraine arrived to wish good luck to the athletes.

The gala started with a grand march of the Olympic team members headed by Ukraine NOC President Sergey Bubka and the Minister of Youth and Sport Ihor Zhdanov which paraded along Tryohsviatytelska street down to Sofiyivs'ka square. Part way through the march they stopped over to place flowers to honour those killed in Anti-Terrorist operation at country's Eastern areas.

The bright and stylish look of the Olympians was due to full-dress uniform from PEAK Sport specifically designed by Ukrainian designed Andre Tan.

As a reminder, PEAK Sport is the official Ukraine Olympic team outfit supplier and NOC partner till 2020 that provides the complete kits of high-quality regular outfit for different weather conditions and ceremonial outfit for summer and winter Olympics, for Youth Olympic Games, for Europeans Games, and European Youth Olympic Festivals.

Farewell speeches were made by top officials including Ukraine Prime Minister Volodymyr Groisman, Head of Parliament's Sport Commission Arthur Palatnyi, Ukraine's National Olympic Committee President Sergey Bubka and Minister Ihor Zhdanov.

Prime Minister Groisman said he believes the team will be successful at the Games. He commented, "Every athlete here travelled a long way to make the Olympic team and earned his right to represent his coutry at the 2016 Olympics".

Sergey Bubka said, "You are writing next chapter of nation's and world's sport history ahead of and during the Rio Games. Disbelief is a weakness. Believe in yourself and in your team – and be strong. We are proud of you!"

He added, " Our athletes are true heroes who passed through tough trials to prove they can be sport ambassadors of Ukraine at the greatest ever celebration of sport! Dear fans, our athletes look for your constant support and cheer!»

The highlight of the ceremony was a traditional handover of the national flag from Ukraine's Prime minister to Olympic team represented this time by star rhythmic gymnast Anna Rizatdinova and 2008 Olympic medalist in diving Illya Kvasha.