On February 9, over three hundred participants, children aged 6-18 from more than 19 regions of Ukraine, arrived in Vyshgorod, where the Sport Villa Grays Sports Complex is located and where the master class was held. A meeting with legendary tennis players was waiting for them: the best tennis player in Ukraine, Elina Svitolina, and one of the most titled Ukrainian tennis players, Serhiy Stakhovsky.

There were a lot of smiles, hugs and lights in children’s eyes that day: for the participants, this meeting meant an opportunity not only to learn from tennis stars but also to get away for a while from the harsh reality that has been at war for almost a year.

“I believe that in these difficult times, it is valuable to hold events like this and emotionally support the younger generation and give the children encouragement and faith. We had an incredible day together which will forever remain in my heart. Just like any smile and hug from children,” shared Elina Svitolina.

Sergiy Stakhovsky added: “Our Ukraine is the only one. We could feel it at the master class as well because we managed to bring together young tennis players from many regions of Ukraine. We wanted to give the kids joy and transfer at least a part of our experience. They must feel their potential on the way to the goal. I think we succeeded because we saw the sparkle in their eyes and the sincere joy of children.

The Elina Svitolina Foundation would like to thank its partners: Sport Villa Grays, Wilson, Nike, Morshynska, Ravlyk BOB and Book4Sport for supporting the young tennis players. “Together, we demonstrate that children’s dreams should come true even in times of war,” says Anna Popovchenko, director of the foundation.

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