2010 Vancouver Olympics Opening Celebrated at Ukraine House Fundraiser

Winter Olympics and Ukraine’s profile seen through Ukraine House at the Olympics, share common significance  aside from their presence competing in Olympic sporting events.  Both uphold the Olympic spirit and its principles of good sportsmanship and fair athletic competition, exemplified in feats of endurance and excellence, striving for new heights and goals accomplished in sports. In Olympic and community spirit, Ukrainian Canadians in Toronto joined all Canadians to celebrate the opening of the XXI Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, by witnessing the opening ceremony on the “Big Screen” having gathered at UNF Trident Hall on Friday, February 12. The energy-charged event was filled with patriotic pride for Canada and our home Olympic contingent as well as for the team representing Ukraine participating in the Olympics. This festive fundraising event was held in benefit of Ukraine House in Vancouver, staged by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada for the duration of the Games.

Olya Schuryk opened the evening and called upon Jaroslaw Kowal to speak on behalf of the Canadian Friends of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee, headed by Stan Haba. In an overview of work with Ukraine’s Olympic Committee and fundraising activities, Mr. Haba was recognized for his tireless effort over many years to promote sport both in Canada and Ukraine, represented by an attractive display of Olympic photos and memorabilia. Accepting an award on behalf of Stan Haba was his wife Dzvinka.

In appreciation of the Ukrainian Canadian support and contribution to Ukraine’s Olympic endeavours, Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto, Oleksandr Danyleiko drew parallels of success between Ukraine’s participation in winter and summer Olympic Games as well as notable high-ranking standing in the Paralympics. UCC National President Paul Grod spoke of the importance of Ukraine’s presence as a distinct nation at international events, particularly today, with its participation in the Olympic Games. Sporting Olympic black, red and white colours, Grod also signalled his support for the Games as a “booster” for Olympic-wear and Ukraine House T-Shirts and pins on sale, designed by Markian Matla.

In support of Ukraine House, the many tiered corporate sponsors were announced for their generous financial contribution, and also recognised on an entry placard and on every table.  On the lighter side, a non-athletic competitive spirit emerged during the auction of an array of sport paraphernalia. In particular, a “prized” pair of boxing gloves worn and signed by the Klitschko Brothers entered a round of high-stakes bidding going to Les Salnick. All auction proceeds went to support Ukraine House and help maintain Ukraine’s Olympic profile.

Amidst the evening’s jovial socializing and watching the continuous live feed showing the opening ceremonies, when appropriate, the crowd came to an impressive patriotic standing at attention for the Vice Regal Salute, National Anthem “O, Canada”. Sobering thought was found to observe a moment of silence in memory of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili who was killed during the day’s training in Whistler. Returning to the ceremony’s festive atmosphere, the revellers jumped to standing ovations with the entry of both Team Ukraine and Host Team Canada in the parade finale into GM Place.