The "Dance of Freedom" world tour of Ukrainian gymnast Oleksandra Paskal has come to a close in Tokyo, its fifth and final city, supported by Rinat Akhmetov together with his Foundation and Shakhtar Donetsk football club. Ten-year-old Sasha, who lost a leg in a russian missile strike in 2022 and returned to gymnastics on a prosthesis, performed at the Children's Education Laboratory before Japanese schoolchildren, Olympic athletes and journalists. Over two weeks she carried Ukraine's story to five continents, drawing international attention that included a profile by the American broadcaster CNN. The tour is dedicated to the forthcoming 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.
What is the "Dance of Freedom" tour?
"Dance of Freedom" is a world tour that has taken Oleksandra Paskal to five continents and five major cities. Oleksandra, known as Sasha, prepared five special dances, each one telling the world about the strength, resilience and freedom of Ukrainians. The tour is supported by Rinat Akhmetov together with his Foundation and Shakhtar Donetsk football club, and is dedicated to the forthcoming 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. It began in Paris and continued through New York, Rio de Janeiro and Nairobi, before reaching Tokyo, its final city.
Where did Sasha perform in Tokyo?
Sasha's final performance took place at the Children's Education Laboratory in Tokyo, in the school gymnasium, before an audience of Japanese schoolchildren, Olympic athletes and members of the media. After her routine she took part in a meet-and-greet, spending time with the students and athletes and answering their questions about her journey back to competitive gymnastics. It gave young people in Japan the chance to hear her story of recovery and determination, and brought the tour's message full circle: that the resilience of children knows no borders.
What is Sasha's dream for the future?
Sasha's ambition is clear. She hopes to compete at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane and win a gold medal, should rhythmic gymnastics be included in the programme. It is a dream she carries alongside her wish to keep telling the truth about the war and to inspire other children. Earlier this year she won gold at Carla's Rhythmic Cup, an international competition held in Romania, a reminder that her ambitions are within reach.
How is the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation supporting her?
The tour is delivered together with the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Shakhtar Donetsk football club. With Tokyo, the "Dance of Freedom" tour has now reached audiences on all five continents, closing a journey that combined sport, storytelling and international visibility to share Sasha's experience and that of Ukrainian children affected by the war. The Foundation continues to support these children, helping them to regain a sense of safety, stability and belief in the future.
