Children’s competition “Who’s First”: how it was
On June 17 and 18, Run Ukraine brought together stars, including Olympic champion Jean Belenyuk, singer PARFENIUK, and, of course, little superheroes, as part of the Who’s First sports and entertainment competition. The children competed to close the fundraising for 11-year-old Vasyl Davydiuk, who needs an endoprosthesis, together with the Zaporuka Charitable Organization.
The participants were boys and girls of two age categories – 8-10 and 11-12 years old. The young athletes competed in the OCR and parkour format, overcoming various challenges that required strength, wit and agility. Crazy emotions, drive, communication with like-minded people, team spirit and a lot of positive filled the space. Each child demonstrated their skills, character and endurance to win.
The project was joined by Olympic champion Zhan Beleniuk, singers SHADU and PARFENIUK, Yulia Khan, head of the Youth and Sports Department of the Kyiv City State Administration, blogger and stylist Chara Khoriv, and ticker artist Simbochka. For each participant, the captains became mentors who supported them and did not let them give up when something did not work out. PARFENIUK noted during the broadcast:
“We need to support the little ones, it’s important today, so I joined this event.”
In his address to the children, Jean Beleniuk said:
“I wish everyone to go through this obstacle course and enjoy the process, because this is the most important thing, and that the strongest will win.”
“This is the first competition for children in Ukraine of this format. The competition on the obstacle course, the emotions of children, parents, and spectators confirmed that the format was chosen correctly and the event was interesting. We are grateful to our partners who joined us. Without them, it would have been very difficult. They took a risk with us. We are already planning the next Who’s First project, which is to take place in the fall. Competitions like this harden character, teach children not to give up, and set the right guidelines – this is exactly what we need now,” summed up Ivan Tretyakov, organizational director Run Ukraine.
The project was co-organized by the Department of Youth and Sports of the Kyiv City State Administration. Pavlo Shevchenko won in the 8-10 age group among boys:
“I did well and made it to the super final, despite the fact that there were strong opponents and a difficult obstacle course. In the future, I want to connect my life with sports and become a football player.”
Daryna Goch won in the 8-10 category among girls. In the 11-12 category, Arina Rishkevich and Artem Fominsky were the first to win.
Thus, these unforgettable competitions not only helped to popularize sports and a healthy lifestyle, but also created strong bonds between children who overcame difficulties together and strived to win.
Photo: press service
