Ukrainian Gymnast Oleksandra Paskal Continues Her World Tour with the “Dance of Freedom”: The Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil Highlights the Importance of the Initiative
Ukrainian gymnast Oleksandra Paskal, who lost her leg as a result of a russian missile strike on the Odesa region, continues her world tour with her “Dance of Freedom.” As part of the project, the girl is performing on five continents to tell the world, through art, about Ukrainian children affected by the war.
During her visit to Brazil, Heorhii Erman, First Secretary for Consular Affairs at the Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil, spoke about the importance of such international initiatives and their impact on how Ukraine is perceived around the world.
— How important are projects like these, which use dance, art, and sport to tell the world about the war in Ukraine?
This is an extremely important project. It helps build mutual understanding between Ukrainian and Brazilian societies. For many Brazilians, it is an opportunity to hear Ukraine’s story not from the news, but directly from a person who has experienced the consequences of the war.
It is particularly important that Oleksandra met with legends of Brazilian artistic gymnastics — Rebeca Andrade and Jade Barbosa. These are people whose voices are heard throughout the country. Their support for Ukraine matters far beyond the sports community.
— How prominent is the issue of the war in Ukraine in Brazil’s media space today?
Brazilian media report on russian attacks and their consequences every day. At the same time, due to the considerable geographical distance and society’s focus on domestic challenges, it is important to systematically explain to Brazilian audiences that the war does not exist only in newspaper headlines, news reports, and statistics. For many years now, it has directly affected the lives, destinies, and dreams of millions of individual people.
Brazil is an influential country with significant weight on the international stage. We believe it can play an even more active role in humanitarian issues — in particular, in the return of Ukrainian children and prisoners of war, and in promoting diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the war.
— What made the greatest impression on you while you were with Oleksandra Paskal’s team in Rio de Janeiro?
The visit to the Brazilian Olympic Committee made the greatest impression. It was an opportunity to meet people who shape modern Brazilian sport. Oleksandra’s meeting with the country’s outstanding gymnasts was an important event because they are true national heroes of Brazil.
— What would you like to wish Oleksandra Paskal and Ukrainian children?
I wish Oleksandra success in achieving all her goals, continuing to perform on the international stage, and inspiring others by her example. And to Ukrainian children — never to lose faith in themselves, to be just as persistent, and to pursue their dreams boldly.
The Dance of Freedom project is implemented by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation with the support of FC Shakhtar to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. Its goal is to use Oleksandra's story to draw the international community's attention to Ukrainian children whose lives have been changed forever by the war, while demonstrating their strength, resilience and determination to live. As part of the world tour, Sasha is presenting her Dance of Freedom in Paris, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Nairobi, and Tokyo.
