Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation Launches Global #CloseYourEyesAndEars Campaign

Campaign Launch: #CloseYourEyesAndEars

According to Главком: The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation (UGF) has announced the launch of a global digital initiative, #CloseYourEyesAndEars, to honor the victims of war. This follows a powerful gesture by Ukrainian gymnasts who covered their eyes and ears during the national anthems of Russia and Belarus at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna. The act served as both a protest against aggression and a tribute to those affected by the conflict.

Campaign Goals and Participation Requirements

As part of its mission, the #CloseYourEyesAndEars campaign remembers the war’s victims, with hundreds of Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed, thousands of sports schools destroyed, and millions of children losing their dreams. The UGF is calling on all national and international sports federations, as well as athletes, coaches, and fans, to join this movement of solidarity.

To take part, participants must meet a few simple conditions:

• Take a photo or video showing yourself covering your eyes or ears with your hands.
• For video formats like Reels, TikTok, or Shorts, use the official Ukrainian air raid siren audio track as background sound.
• Accompany your posts with the campaign’s main hashtags: #CloseYourEyesAndEars and #RememberUkraine.

Through this effort, Ukrainian gymnastics not only expresses its stance on the conflict but also calls for unity and support for all war-affected individuals.

The launch of the #CloseYourEyesAndEars campaign underscores the importance of remembering war victims and highlights the conflict’s impact on Ukrainian sports and society at large. Such initiatives can raise awareness about the challenges faced by athletes and their families, while also encouraging international support for Ukraine during these difficult times.

In light of the recent global campaign, it's essential to reflect on the impactful moment when Ukrainian gymnasts covered their faces during the national anthems of Russia and Belarus. This act not only highlighted their protest against aggression but also set the stage for the ongoing solidarity efforts, reinforcing the importance of unity in the face of adversity.