Volleyball brings youngsters together through ‘Three Touches for Peace’ project

“Volleyball truly unites people even though they are separated by a net! Many thanks for this wonderful experience! We would love to invite you to our homes in Ukraine when conditions will allow it.” This is the message shared by a group of young Ukrainian boys and girls as they left Italy after spending two weeks there thanks to a project run under the slogan ‘Three Touches for Peace’. 

Some 35 Ukrainians, mostly minors, originally from the devastated town of Bakhmut, did truly enjoy their journey across Italy. As Alina, a member of the group recounts, they have been living in Proszowice, in the outskirts of Krakow, Poland, since early April 2022. “It all started while we were playing a tournament in Poltava where we got stuck for about a week. When we returned home, some buildings had been destroyed already and we soon realised that we could not train anymore since we would put our safety in danger.” 

Their coach received an offer to move to Poland, which they soon did. Some have lost a relative or even a parent ever since – however they have continued to study and play Volleyball. Throughout the two weeks spent in Italy, the group worked hard on the court, but there was time for fun as well. “We are very grateful for everything we have experienced during our stay in Italy. It was so important especially under the current, difficult circumstances, where there is little space for joy since our hometown, our homes have been destroyed,” they say. 

The project was highly enriching for young Italian boys and girls as well, who could share moments and experiences with their Ukrainian peers. After spending some time at a training camp run by the Manuela Benelli Volley Academy in Ascea, the girls moved to Susegana (Treviso), whereas the boys had their next stop in Biella. After spending much time together and making new friends, finally time came to say goodbye to each other, hoping to meet again. 

The ’Three Touches for Peace’ project was supported by the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV), the Decathlon Foundation and the NGO Experience (Modena per gli altri). Volley Academy Manú Benelli, Villaggio Elea, the Municipality of Ascea, Pallavolo Susegana, Scuola Pallavolo Biellese, and Officina Volley Terni did also support the delivery of the project – thereby blending sport and social activities at such a difficult time for these youngsters.