Ukrainian Para triathletes participate in training camp with Japanese national team

The Ukrainian Para triathlon team joined the Japanese national team for a training camp in Okinawa, Japan, from 24 February to 5 March 2024. The athletes sought a training environment in Japan’s warm and welcoming atmosphere as they prepare for competitions.

"I'm very pleased to be here because people are so kind and are building good relationships with us," Alisa Kolpakchy, one of the Ukrainian Para triathletes, said. "It's not usual for us these days, so it's very pleasant for us."

This joint training camp was made possible through the initiative of 'Sport For Tomorrow,' a programme supported by the Japanese government to promote international cooperation and development through sports.

The programme aims to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster global exchange and cooperation through sports, building on the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. 

In this project, the Japan Sports Agency provides necessary support to dedicated National Federations (NFs) working to establish training environments in Japan for overseas athletes unable to secure sufficient training environments in their own countries due to domestic situations such as conflicts. Benefiting from this initiative, the Ukrainian Para badminton team took part in an international competition in Tokyo in November 2023.

Japanese Para athletes also benefitted from training with the Ukrainian team, which included Paralympians Alisa Kolpakchy (PTS5) and Vita Oleksiuk (PTVI2), guide Nataliia Matsupko, and coach Roman Korol. 

Satoru Yoneoka, who captured the bronze medal in the men’s individual PTVI race at Tokyo 2020, said, “I understand they usually train under tough training environments. Compared to them, we are feeling how blessed we are in such a fulfilling training environment. I'm inspired by how they train single-mindedly.”

His teammate Hideki Uda, added, “I respect the fact that they are training in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces. 

“Just seeing athletes from different countries swimming and running next to us gives inspiration and motivation. I really appreciate they joined, and it is a great opportunity for us,” said Uda, a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist.

During their stay in Okinawa, the Ukrainian athletes embraced the opportunity to connect with the local community by visiting a nearby public school, Motobu Elementary School, with the Japanese Para triathletes. 

Together, they engaged with 160 students, offering insights into Para triathlon and sharing their experiences in the sport. The visit provided a unique chance for the students to discover more about Para sports and understand some of the challenges faced by athletes from diverse backgrounds. 

Welcoming athletes from Japan and Ukraine, the students listened to their stories as they discovered the excitement of Paralympic sports.

"It was great to learn that there's a sport that everyone, including people with disabilities, can enjoy and compete in," remarked one of the school, underscoring the profound impact of the cultural exchange.

Many of the students tried to communicate directly with members of the Ukrainian team, speaking in English while also using hand gestures, and even AI translation tools. Some had prepared message boards with warm greetings such as "Welcome to Motobu Elementary School."

Reflecting on her experience, a local student shared, "Despite speaking different languages, we found ways to communicate through gestures, expressing our emotions, and utilising automatic translation. I am grateful that they visited us, especially given the current situation in their country."

"I felt their smiles and kindness," shared Vita Oleksiuk, who has a vision impairment. "It's a strange feeling, considering Japan is so far from Ukraine, but receiving such immense support makes me feel much closer." 

She added that the local children seemed to share a similar sentiment, while Alisa Kolpakchy was not able to hold back tears upon seeing a message board written in Ukrainian.

The Ukrainian Para triathletes are aiming to secure their spots for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Despite the challenges they face, they remain determined to excel on the international stage and inspire others through their resilience and dedication.

“I feel like this is a significant birthday present for me,” said Vita Oleksiuk, who celebrated her 29th birthday on 1 March in Okinawa. “This camp holds a special place in my heart.”