From 26 to 28 July 2026, Ukrainian athlete Oleksandra (Sasha) Paskal visited Kenya as part of the international Dance of Freedom World Tour, an initiative aimed at drawing the international community’s attention to the protection of children’s rights, inclusion, resilience, and support for children affected by war.

During her stay in Nairobi, Oleksandra Paskal participated in a series of sporting, educational, and humanitarian events organised in cooperation with international partners, sports federations, and civil society organisations.

The central event of the visit was “Dance of Freedom”, held on 28 July 2026 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). The event was organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Kenya in partnership with UNICEF Kenya.

The event was attended by Dr. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Benjamin Meyer, representative of UNICEF Kenya, as well as representatives of other UN agencies, the diplomatic corps, sports federations, youth organisations, and civil society organisations.

During the event, participants watched a video telling the story of Oleksandra Paskal, who returned to an active life and to sport after losing her leg as a result of a Russian missile strike. The highlight of the programme was the specially prepared artistic and athletic performance “Dance of Freedom”, symbolising the resilience of Ukrainian children, the strength of the human spirit, and hope for the future.

In their remarks, participants emphasised that Oleksandra Paskal’s story is a powerful example of courage, resilience, and determination that inspires children and young people around the world, including in Kenya, while demonstrating the role of sport and culture as tools for recovery, inclusion, and unity.

As part of the sports programme organised by the Gymnastics Federation of Kenya, Oleksandra Paskal visited two gymnastics schools in Nairobi, where she met with young athletes and coaches, participated in joint training sessions, and shared her personal story of resilience, inner strength, and determination. These meetings provided an important platform for exchanging experience and laid the foundation for further cooperation between the sports federations of Ukraine and Kenya.

An important component of the visit was also the educational and humanitarian programme implemented in partnership with The PlayAble Network. At Kinyanjui Road Primary School, an inclusive sports and educational event brought together schoolchildren, representatives of youth organisations, and community initiatives. Oleksandra Paskal participated in sports and creative activities, engaged with Kenyan schoolchildren, and presented the Dance of Freedom project, with particular emphasis on inclusion, mutual support, and the role of sport in overcoming life’s challenges.

Another important part of the programme was a visit to one of the communities in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most disadvantaged areas, where Oleksandra met with children from socially vulnerable backgrounds. For many of them, it was an opportunity to hear the story of a Ukrainian athlete whose personal journey demonstrates that even after the most difficult challenges it is possible to rebuild one’s life, return to sport, and inspire others never to lose faith in themselves.

During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation also met with the leadership of the Kenya National Paralympic Committee to discuss prospects for cooperation between the Ukrainian and Kenyan Paralympic movements, support for inclusive sport, and opportunities to implement joint international initiatives.

 Oleksandra Paskal’s visit to Kenya became an important part of the Dance of Freedom World Tour, which uses the power of personal stories, sport, and culture to unite people around the values of human dignity, solidarity, inclusion, and support for children affected by war.