Official Send-Off for Ukraine's National Olympic Team
The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine is organizing a formal ceremony to send off the nation's team to the XXV Winter Olympic Games, scheduled for Milan and Cortina in 2026. This event will mark a significant milestone in the athletes' preparation, bringing together government officials, the sports community, and the competitors themselves. The specific time and location will be announced to accredited media at a later date. For a nation demonstrating resilience, this ceremony underscores the unifying power of sport on the global stage.
Media accreditation for the event is open until January 26, 2026. Interested parties can contact the organizers by phone at +380974694591 or via email at press@noc-ukr.org. The ceremony's program will feature several key highlights, including:
- the premiere of the official promotional video for Ukraine's Olympic Team,
- a live teleconference with future Games participants,
- video messages from thought leaders, artists, and Olympic champions,
- the presentation of the official guidebook for Ukraine's Olympic Team,
- an official ceremony to cancel a special postage stamp for Milan–Cortina 2026.
Distinguished attendees at the ceremony will include:
- Vadym Huttsait — President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine,
- Matvii Bidnyi — Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine,
- Ihor Smilianskyi — Director General of JSC Ukrposhta,
- Olena Pidhrushna — Olympic champion in biathlon,
- presidents of national winter sports federations and future participants of the Winter Olympic Games.
This event represents a crucial step in the Olympic preparations and in rallying support for Ukrainian athletes.
The official send-off for Ukraine's national team to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games highlights the significance of international sporting events for a country enduring challenging times.
Source: National Olympic Committee of Ukraine
Beyond generating support for the athletes, the ceremony aims to unite society around the ideals of sport and solidarity. The comprehensive involvement of state bodies and the sports community in the preparations reflects the importance placed on winter sports within Ukraine.