Olympic Dreams: an extensive training and educational camp in Japan – the dream of young Ukrainian judokas has come true

The seventh camp of the Olympic Dreams International sports camp project exceeded all expectations in terms of its richness of events. During this time, young judokas from Ukrainian cities affected by the war fully realised their dream – they visited Japan, the homeland of judo, where they conducted intensive training and participated in cultural events. The visit of Ukrainian athletes ended with a solemn event with the participation of the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, the All Japan Judo Federation, the president of the Kodokan – the legendary judo institute, the leadership of Japanese sports organisations and other distinguished guests.

"Now, when Ukraine is going through difficult times, the Olympic Dreams project deserves comprehensive support," emphasised the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, Sergiy Korsunsky. – I used to practise judo, and I know how important it is to maintain the continuity of training despite all circumstances. Therefore, we sincerely welcome the mission carried out by the Olympic Dreams project – the preservation and development of the Ukrainian Olympic reserve, and are glad to join the project by taking on the logistics of the athletes."

Left to right in the photo: Oleksandra Starkova, Sergiy Korsunsky, Oleksandra Novikova

The Japanese side organised an intensive program for the judokas from Ukraine. The Olympic Dreams project participants had the opportunity to learn all the secrets of judo from Japan's best coaches and Olympic champions. The best Japanese judo masters, with the support of the All Japan Judo Federation, Kodokan Judo Institute, JUDOs, Tokai University Shizuoka Shoyo High School, Shizuoka Gakuen High School, and Shutoku High School offered young