Using sports to unite communities affected by war in Ukraine.

Vatican News recently spoke with Larysa Yatsivk about the incredible work being done in social sports schools run by “Epicentr for Children” to aid Ukrainian children in their recovery from the traumatic effects of the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.

By Lisa Zengarini

War has numerous “collateral” damages, one of which being the disruption of educational systems in affected countries. In the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 200,000 children in war-torn Ukraine were unable to access education due to various conflicts caused by Russian armed forces.

The toll on Ukrainian children, in terms of deaths (nearly 2,000 as per U.N. sources), physical injuries, and psychological trauma, has been immense, robbing them of their smile, as Pope Francis recently emphasized.

The Impact of Epicentr for Children’s Social Sports Schools

Larysa Yatsivk, the coordinator of the non-profit organization “Epicentr for Children,” observed the struggles and challenges faced by internally displaced children from places like Mariupol and Irpin in Eastern Ukraine, who have been affected by the conflict.

The Ukrainian NGO, supported by a local hypermarket chain, is an affiliate of the Real Madrid Foundation, which sponsors social sports schools worldwide, aiding in the education and holistic development of vulnerable minors globally.

Since the outbreak of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Epicentr for Children has expanded its services, now catering to internally displaced families and children affected by Russian occupation or displacement to Western Ukraine.

Using Sports Values for Resilience and Community Rebuilding

Larysa explained that their focus is on providing psychological support and integrating these children into their new environments through sports activities. By instilling values like solidarity, empathy, respect, and perseverance through sports, they aid children in managing their trauma, emotions, and fostering a sense of belonging.

This focus on resilience is crucial, as Larysa affirms, “because children are our future.” She recalled conversations with children in Irpin, highlighting the stark difference in their demeanor before and after participating in sports events that brought them joy and a sense of community.

These activities play a pivotal role in aiding the integration of internally displaced individuals, many of whom struggle due to language barriers and cultural differences in Western Ukraine.

For more insights, listen to the interview with Larysa Yatsivk above.