World athletes and Ukrainian diaspora unite to ensure 2024 Olympics is not the last

TORONTO — July 22, 2024. The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), leading the multi-million-strong Ukrainian diaspora, in partnership with the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council (UACC), the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, and with the support of the Office of the President of Ukraine, is launching the #TheLastOlympics campaign, timed with the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

The goal of #TheLastOlympics is to draw global attention to the rise of authoritarian regimes and the threat they pose to free democratic states, with a clear message: if Ukraine is not supported today, this Olympics could be the last one, and the Olympic flame might be overshadowed by the flames of the next world war. 

Campaign participants, including athletes from various Olympic generations and young sportsmen, reflect on the value of the Olympic spirit, fair competition, and deserving victory, drawing parallels to World War II. From 1936 in Germany to 1948 in the United Kingdom, the Olympic Games were suspended for 12 years. 

“It’s not just Ukraine who’s under fire – it’s the world,” emphasizes Kylie Reed, an Australian bobsledder who competed in the 2006 Turin Olympics, in a video for #TheLastOlympics. 

The campaign is also supported by Ivanna Sakhno, an American actress of Ukrainian descent, known for her role in the Star Wars: Ahsoka TV series. 

“Remembering the dark times of World War II when the Olympic Games were suspended, you, our athletes, stand here to show the world that history must not repeat itself,” Ivanna addressed the Olympic athletes. “The Olympic flame that burns today is not just a symbol; it is a flame of freedom that you carry as you overcome darkness. Let these Games be not only a celebration of sports but also a celebration of human dignity and unity against tyranny and aggression. May the force be with you! Glory to Ukraine!” 

“If the civilized world permits Russia to conquer Ukraine, we can be assured that Russia and other imperialist powers will continue to use military force to realize their distorted historical ambitions,” stated UWC President Paul Grod. “Defeating Russia in Ukraine is crucial to preventing a global war.” 

World history has already demonstrated that when political issues affect the global stage, sports cannot remain isolated from politics. Ignoring such a problem will not prevent a global war, much like the grand 1936 Olympics in Germany failed to prevent the onset of World War II. 

“As of today, Ukraine is the main force protecting the world from the spread of military aggression and holding back the armies of neo-dictatorial regimes. Just as on the eve of World War II, dictators are trying to legitimize aggression through the presence of their representatives at events that were established centuries ago to foster and maintain peace. We wish the resilient Ukrainian athletes the highest achievements at the Olympics, and Ukraine and the world a swift victory in the war,” said Mykyta Safronenko, Senior Vice President of the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council. 

For more detailed information about the campaign and the 488 Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia, visit the project page: https://thelastolympics.org/  

The project is also supported by information partners Saint Javelin and Kontakt Ukrainian Television Network in Toronto. 

About the organizations:  

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is the global voice of Ukrainian communities outside Ukraine.  With member organizations in 80 countries, UWC represents the interests of more than 20 million Ukrainians living outside Ukraine. UWC is a recognized NGO by the United Nations Economic and Social Council and by the Council of Europe.  

The Ukrainian American Coordinating Council (UACC) is an organization that unites Ukrainian communities in the USA to support cultural, humanitarian, business, and advocacy initiatives related to Ukraine.