Vadym Gutzeit, alongside decorated Olympians, took part in the closing ceremony of European Week of Sport in Kyiv

The closing ceremony of the ETC was attended by the President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, Olympic champion Vadym Gutzeit, Matvii Bidnyi, Minister for Youth and Sport of Ukraine, and Andrii Rebrina, Director of the Ukrainian Mass Sports Agency, who also took part in the sporting activities and masterclasses.

“Over the past few days, children and teenagers have been able to try their hand at various sports right here on Kontraktova Square. I am certain that for many of them, this was their first experience. It is also important that the young participants felt supported — well-known athletes were there alongside them, demonstrating through their own example that dreams can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and determination,” emphasised Vadym Gutzeit, President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

The presence of decorated Olympians from different eras and sports provided a special source of inspiration for those taking part in the event. Among them were: Oleg Verniaiev – Olympic champion in artistic gymnastics; Olena Pidhrushna – Olympic champion in biathlon; Roman Gontyuk – two-time Olympic medallist in judo; Olena Pakholchik – two-time Olympic medallist in sailing; Marta Fiedina – two-time Olympic bronze medallist in synchronised swimming; Mykhailo Kokhan – Olympic bronze medallist in athletics; Iryna Herashchenko – a bronze medallist at the Olympic Games in athletics; Larysa Zaspa – a bronze medallist at the Olympic Games in handball; Tetyana Ustyuzhanina – Olympic bronze medallist in rowing; Yelyzaveta Bryzgina – Olympic bronze medallist in athletics; Heorhiy Zantaraia – world judo champion, chair of the Athletes’ Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine; Hanna Kasyanova – world champion in the heptathlon; Oleksiy Sereda – five-time medallist at the World Diving Championships; Oleksii Kasyanov – bronze medallist at the World Championships in the athletics decathlon; Artur Felfner – Olympian in athletics (javelin throw).

Throughout the week, the whole of Ukraine joined the #BeActive movement. A packed programme took place on Kontraktova Square, including martial arts demonstrations, para-sport, a fitness day, sports games for schoolchildren, dance battles and exhibition areas run by various sports federations. 

European Week of Sport served as a vivid reminder that sport is all about movement, strength, unity and genuine emotions.