An event for children, the “Open Ring” boxing competition, was held in collaboration with the Round1 Boxing and Kickboxing Club.

Sergey Molodov, the Director of the Great Lakes Fund in Canada, expressed his perspective on charity: “Charity is a journey of the soul. We find happiness when our children are happy.”

Victoria Rudenko, the head coach of the Round1 Boxing and Kickboxing Club and an Honored Master of Boxing and Kickboxing, highlighted the importance of sports competitions for children in the aftermath of war. She emphasized that such competitions provide a sense of celebration, the opportunity to showcase training results, and the taste of victory. With the financial support of the Great Lakes Fund, children are able to experience positivity and solidify their achievements in sports. Rudenko also emphasized the importance of involving children in sports, particularly during the war when many children were left with irregular schooling and limited opportunities for physical activity.

Sofia Nikishyna, a children’s coach, finalist of the Ukrainian Kickboxing Championship, and psychologist emphasized the difficulties faced by children affected by the war. She noted that adults often struggle to provide proper attention and psychological support to children, resulting in feelings of depression and the inability to cope with the psychological burden of the war. Nikishyna emphasized the positive impact of sports competitions, which offer joy and benefits for children and serve as a distraction from the weighty thoughts of war.

Sergey Molodov, co-founder and director of the Great Lakes Fund, highlighted the importance of investing in the future of the country, particularly in the health and education of its children. The organization’s goal is to help children grow up healthy and intelligent, contributing to the country’s development and economy. Molodov expressed his belief in the power of combining sports and education for the harmonious development of children. The Great Lakes Fund plans to provide educational programs for Ukrainian children, both in Canada and Ukraine, with the involvement of Canadian teachers. Molodov stressed the foundation’s commitment to achieving victory through concrete steps, and he expressed joy in witnessing the happiness of the children supported by the organization.

For the Great Lakes Fund, charity is a profound expression of the soul, and its ultimate goal is to see a strong, healthy, and highly educated Ukrainian nation.