Ten-year-old Ukrainian gymnast Oleksandra Paskal is embarking on a world tour called "Dance of Freedom", supported by Rinat Akhmetov together with his Foundation and Shakhtar Donetsk football club. This summer she will perform in Paris, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Nairobi and Tokyo, carrying Ukraine's story to five continents. Having lost a leg in a russian missile strike in 2022, Oleksandra returned to gymnastics on a prosthesis and now wants to tell the world the truth about the war. The tour is dedicated to the forthcoming 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.
What is the "Dance of Freedom" tour?
This summer, Oleksandra Paskal will travel the world to perform her dance of freedom. The project is supported by Rinat Akhmetov, his Foundation and Shakhtar Donetsk football club, and is dedicated to the forthcoming 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. It gives a young Ukrainian the chance to share her talent and her story with audiences across the globe.
Where will Oleksandra perform?
She will visit five continents and appear in five major cities: Paris, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Nairobi and Tokyo. In the central square of each city she will perform a dance devoted to freedom, strength of spirit and the future of Ukraine, with a different routine prepared for every country.
Who is Oleksandra Paskal?
In 2022, Oleksandra lost a leg in a russian missile strike. She returned to gymnastics on a prosthesis and sees her mission as telling the truth about the war and supporting Ukrainian children.
"This is a genuine journey around the world. We very much want it to become a major event in Oleksandra's life, one she will remember for almost her whole life. Millions of people around the world will be watching her. She has an incredible talent for this, an enormous support group and, of course, the support of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation," said Natalya Yemchenko, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at SCM and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.
How is the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation supporting her?
Ahead of the tour, the Foundation presented Oleksandra with symbolic gifts: a yellow suitcase for her journeys, a camera to capture the brightest moments and phrasebooks in several languages. Earlier, Rinat Akhmetov gave her an apartment in the capital. The Kyiv home will serve as the starting point for her travels and a place where she will always be welcomed after long flights and new victories.
"Oleksandra dreams about travelling and wants to visit different countries around the world. This is one of those important dreams that simply must come true. People like her inspire others with their smile and their desire to keep living and dreaming, and that is immeasurably important," said Kseniya Sukhova, Director General of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.
What does Oleksandra hope to achieve?
"I am really looking forward to Japan. Going there is my dream, and I very much wanted to visit America too. I have prepared my dances and will perform one in each country. In this way I want to remind people that the war in Ukraine continues, and that our people are strong. We are an unbreakable nation," said Oleksandra.
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation continues to support children affected by the war, helping them to regain a sense of safety, stability and belief in the future.
