Football unites Xàbia with Ukraine
A strong under 15 side from the city of Sumy took on the Cadete B side of CD Jávea, triumphing 7-1.
Friday 21st April 2023
Mike Smith
A young football team from the Ukrainian city of Sumy took on the Cadete B team of CD Jávea in a friendly match this week as part of a visit organised by CULTURA CONTRA BALAS, an association which aims to provide children with cultural projects that takes them away from the reality of war.
The match, which the Ukrainians won 7-1, was one of the activities organised by the association to provide an opportunity for the youngsters to disconnect from the war raging in their country due to the invasion by Russia. The youngsters have been able to spend a few days in Xàbia enjoying the sandy beach at the Arenal amongst other activities, and they have been invited to spend a whole day sailing and rowing with the Club Náutico de Jávea. There will be another friendly game against a CD Jávea youth team whilst the youngsters have been invited to attend the senior league match between CD Jávea and CD Olímpic de Xàtiva this Sunday.
Natalia Moskalenko, the president of the association and a Ukrainian resident in Xàbia, acknowledged the collaboration of the Commission of the Fiestas Mare de Déu de Loreto who has prepared meals for the group every day as well as other groups such as the Cruz Roja, Amasa de Casa, Asociaciones de Jubilados, Cáritas and the Nazarene Brotherhood.
She said that the youngsters were having a great time and were very much in need of a break due to the dire situation in the country that has been caused by the war that has raged for more than a year. She explained that the “psychological wear and tear” of the young Ukrainians is very noticeable since their city is located very close to the border with Russia and has been bombed many times. Their visit to Xàbia has provided them with an opportunity to enjoy the sun and the beach as well as experience the affection afforded to them by the residents of the town, an experience that provides an opportunity to recover their mental strength as well as that of their families back in Ukraine.
