The story of a 16-year-old Ukrainian athlete who refused to shake hands with her Russian opponent has become a symbol of a new international program supporting the children of Ukrainian military personnel.
American-Ukrainian singer Kelsey Kimberlin has announced the launch of the “Ukrainian Champions” initiative. According to an article on Interfax, the program will provide scholarships to children from the families of Ukraine’s defenders to support their participation in sports, purchase of equipment, and participation in competitions.
The face of the campaign was Maria Gnes — the daughter of a serviceman and a karateka who, during a tournament, pointedly refused to shake hands with a Russian athlete. This act garnered widespread attention and inspired Kimberlyn to create the music video for “Champ,” filmed right in Kyiv—with air raid sirens and the realities of wartime in the background. The video racked up nearly a million views in less than a month.
“Sports can be a vital source of support for these children,” explained the initiative’s founder. The program is designed to last 6–12 months and will serve children who have lost access to sports facilities due to the war or cannot afford training.
Kelsie Kimberlin is the founder of the Kelsie Kimberlin Foundation and the recipient of the 2025 UN Humanitarian Award. Her documentary film about Ukraine has garnered recognition at international film festivals.
