CHILD refugees who have escaped war-torn Ukraine have been given the opportunity to partake in a summer sports camp.
The summer camp took place for three days at Ditchling Cricket Club’s ground in Lewes Road, Ditchling, at the end of July.
The children, who have all been moved to towns around Sussex with their families, were able to play football, tennis, cricket and many other activities.
It was organised by The Change Foundation, a charity which uses sports, dance and music to “bring some aspect of normality into lives of young people”.
Henry Glynn, head of programmes at the charity, said: “The children responded really well. Fundamentally, kids, wherever they are from in the world just want to be kids. These children have undoubtably gone through some incredible hardships at such a young age.
“So what we can do is offer them a chance to enjoy themselves in a safe environment over the three days of the programme. We are working with same group, so we have a chance to build up relationships with the children and their parents.
“A great deal of credit should go to the Ditchling community, without doubt without their support this would never have happened.
“The locals have been very welcoming to Ukrainian families and we have been working alongside Donna Gunn-Ballard and Kate Allisat after being introduced to the people in Ditchling by our ambassador Glenn Ballard, who lives in the village.”
Taking part were refugees housed in Ditchling, Hurstpierpoint, Hickstead, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Balcombe, Plumpton Green.
Some came with their mothers who forged friendships and got some time to relax in the sun.
The mothers were also quick to notice how the children were able to form bonds with the coach mentors.
Victoria Pryimak, one of the mothers, attended on the first day.
She said: “We have a Ukrainian community in Balcome, so I am here looking after my own child and three others whose families have made their homes in the village.
“It’s great that people are doing so much for us and this is the best way to get the children healthier – both their physical and mental health. I am originally from Kharkiv and left when the bombing started.
“I drove for six days across Ukraine before reaching Poland, and then I wanted to come to the UK, where all I can say is thank you to the people for being so welcoming and for organising events such as this.
“I have a sister and mother still in Kharkiv. I speak to my mother twice each day and I have sent her some pictures of the sports. She is so happy to see her grandchild occupied and, most of all, know that we are safe.”
Australian Ambassador to Ukraine Bruce Edwards also attended the event and watched children play Aussie Rules football.
A second camp will be staged at the same venue later this month, from August 23 to August 26.
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