I’m very happy to have attended the training”: The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Shakhtar FC fulfilled the dream of 13-year-old Kyrylo, son of a fallen defender of Ukraine

During the New Year holidays, one especially wants to believe in small miracles. The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation makes such moments a reality for children whose childhoods were stolen by war.

13-year-old Kyrylo from Chernihiv region is the son of the late defender of Ukraine, Yevheniy Mykhailenko.  His father dreamed that his son would become a football player. Today, Kyrylo already plays as a forward in a football club and trains diligently to make this dream come true.  He has also long wanted to see his favorite team, Shakhtar, in person.

The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, together with Shakhtar FC, gave the boy a day he will remember forever. Kyrylo was invited to the “miners’” training:  he met the players, interacted with the team, took photos, and received a personalized jersey with the number 18.

“This is very important for me.  I’m very happy to have attended Shakhtar’s training,” Kyrylo said with a smile.

The boy’s mother thanked the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Shakhtar FC for their support, attention to the children of fallen heroes, and for giving her son genuine joy and hope.

“I reached out to the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation because my child is very interested in football and is a passionate fan of Ukrainian football.  I am very grateful that the Foundation responded and invited us to the meeting.  It is his big dream – to see all the players.  He wants to reach that level. I hope, and I say, that his dream will come true,” the woman said.

Such moments of support are a reminder to children that dreams can come true, especially when there are those nearby who are ready to help.