«INTERSPORT for Children of Heroes»: a day of sport, support, and inspiration in Dnipro

A sports celebration titled «INTERSPORT for Children of Heroes» took place in Dnipro at Epicenter Shopping Center. The event was organized by Epicenter and INTERSPORT, together with the Dnipro branch of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the Children of Heroes Charity Fund. 

The initiative brings together children who have lost one or both parents due to the war—through sport, active leisure, and the chance to meet and speak with some of Ukraine’s most inspiring athletes.

The event opened with the National Anthem of Ukraine and a moment of silence to honor all defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom and independence.

Guests were welcomed by Vadym Huttsait, President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and Olympic fencing champion (via video message); Mykhailo Koshliak, Head of the NOC Ukraine branch in the Dnipropetrovsk region; and Kateryna Rozhko, Director of Epicenter Shopping Center (No. 2) in Dnipro.

«The “INTERSPORT for Children of Heroes” project is about care, faith, and support. Together with the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the Children of Heroes Charity Fund, we continue this important journey here, in Dnipro. For us, it is not a one-time event, but ongoing support for children who have experienced loss» said Kateryna Rozhko.

One of the most anticipated moments was meeting renowned athletes—Olympic and Paralympic champions and medalists: Kateryna Tarasenko, Oleksiy Cherednyk, Yevhen Yarovenko, Dina Miftakhutdynova, Leonid Shaposhnikov, Artem Darenskyi, and Oksana Boturchuk.

The program was packed with activities: an Olympic-themed quiz and warm-up with champions, sports zones featuring laser tag, basketball, and darts, and showcase performances in cheerleading, football freestyle, rhythmic gymnastics, boxing, acrobatics, taekwondo, and karate. A special highlight was a track-and-field relay with the participation of multi-time Paralympic medalist Oksana Boturchuk.

To wrap up the day, every child received gifts from Epicenter and INTERSPORT—sports equipment, clothing, accessories, and memorable surprises.

“Pavlo and Sofia would like to express their gratitude! It was a pleasure to meet Olympic stars and take part in exciting competitions. Wonderful gifts and unforgettable emotions!” said the guardian of the Children of Heroes Charity Fund beneficiaries.

The «INTERSPORT for Children of Heroes» initiative continues across Ukraine: more than 600 children from different regions have already taken part and received support that helps them keep moving forward—in sport and in life. 

We are grateful to our partners for their ongoing support for children and for their genuine care about the children’s future.