On the eve of the New Year representatives of FC Dynamo Kyiv and the Surkis Brothers Foundation visited educational institutions and children’s homes in the capital. Guests did not come empty-handed - they brought gifts and joy to the children. Presents included sweet gift sets as well as sports equipment. Young fans also received commemorative Dynamo match shirts signed by first-team players of the “White-Blues.”
FC Dynamo Kyiv and the Surkis Brothers Foundation delivered personalized sports equipment and treats to children at 10 specialized social support institutions in Kyiv.
In addition FC Dynamo Kyiv Deputy CEO Maksym Radutskyi promised to children that in January the most active and athletic among them would have a unique opportunity to take part in a joint training session with Dynamo’s first-team players.
Mykola Mykhailenko, Dynamo midfielder:
- I hope this visit was very important for the children because when I was a kid something like this would have been a real “wow” for me. Honestly I will be happy if my presence today, along with the equipment and gifts we gave, adds even a little bit of joy and makes these children happier.
- We are now at a cadet boarding lyceum where discipline and respect for elders come first. How important are discipline and self-belief in achieving a dream?
- I believe discipline is probably the most important thing both in sport and in life because motivation can work in the short term while discipline is a long-term perspective. It really is very important. As for self-belief it also depends on many factors but until you start believing in yourself no one else will believe in you either.
- Do you feel additional responsibilit, knowing that you are a role model for children who are just beginning their life journey?
- Yes, of course. Especially when you have children of your own, you feel responsibility toward them as well. We also understand that we are role models for many kids so our behavior and habits can be reflected in them.
- With what mood do you enter the New Year?
- You should always enter the New Year in a good mood because no matter how difficult the past year was or what obstacles it brought, all of that should be left behind. At the same time you need to learn from mistakes and the experience of the past year.
Denys Popov, Dynamo defender:
- How valuable is it for you to take part in such an initiative and join the celebration?
- This is not only my initiative but the initiative of the entire club - to support children who currently lack parental warmth. Ahead of the holidays we wanted to create positive emotions for them and give them gifts.
- You handed out gifts to children who play football and actively follow Dynamo’s performances. Did you feel additional responsibility toward the young fans at that moment?
- When kids saw the gifts they were overwhelmed with emotions and focused mainly on them. Of course there is always responsibility toward every supporter - especially toward children.
- What are New Year holidays mean to you?
- For me it is first and foremost a family holiday. Every year I try to gather the whole family together. Of course the war has its impact and not everyone can come. But still it is our tradition to gather at home.
Seeing genuine children’s emotions, smiles on their faces and the spark in their eyes, and giving them faith in a brighter future - this was the primary goal of FC Dynamo Kyiv and the Surkis Brothers Foundation. Summing up this day filled with love, care and laughter, we can say that the mission was accomplished with flying colors.
This is only the first stage of our cooperation. Already in January we will definitely return as joint physical education classes with Dynamo Kyiv players and coaches await the children from these institutions.
