Ukrainian child ice hockey star flees war after rink bombing
Since his mother Kateryna Levadna left Ukraine with him in July last year, to make their way to safety in Swindon, 10 year-old Myron has dreamt of getting back on the ice.
In Ukraine, Myron played Ice Hockey for the national 'Dynamo Kharkiv team' and trained in Kharkiv city twice a day, five times a week. He had always dreamed of playing professional ice hockey and, before the war, was even part of the youth olympic reserve team.
When Russia declared war on Ukraine in February last year, the situation worsened in Kateryna and Myron’s home city of Kharkiv. The local ice rink where Myron was training was hit by a Russian missile, and Kateryna knew it was time to get to a safe country.
“I was watching the news each day and watching out of my window as Russia bombed our city with cruise and ballistic missiles,” said Kateryna, “There was so much destruction and loss of life, I was so scared for my family that when I heard about the UK Homes for Ukraine Scheme, I knew I had to try and find a host and escape to England.”
Kateryna posted on Facebook for a sponsor to host them and luckily found one in Swindon, Bindoo Rattan and her partner, who live in West Swindon.
Mother Kateryna (left), Mryon and host Bindoo
“I had recently joined the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine Committee to do what I could to help,” said Bindoo, “and I found Kateryna and we got talking and I really wanted to offer her and Myron a safe place to stay. So we applied for VISA’s and got them over as quickly as we could. It’s been 9 months now, and they both feel like part of the family.”
As well as his training, Myron now attends Shaw Ridge Primary School in Swindon. Through their manager, Charlotte, Myron now plays for the youth team of the Swindon Wildcats. Charlotte added,
“it’s been fantastic to have Myron join our youth team. Not only is he an incredibly talented player but he is getting on really well with the others and setting the new standard. He works incredibly hard too and that drive is what we aspire to install in all of our young players”.
The Swindon Wildcats’ parents group have also helped Myron by raising funds to help with kit and travel to games.
Myron at the Wildcats stadium in Swindon
Kateryna added,
“We are so grateful for the opportunities we have in Swindon. Now children in Ukraine have little opportunity to go to school, play sports or lead a normal life. I am pleased to say Myron has adapted well, is socialising really well with his friends, playing sports and making good progress in school. He likes sports, chess, loves to play console games and also he loves maths."
The Swindon Wildcats Academy Chairman Lee Mason, has been instrumental in welcoming Myron to the team.
“We actually have two Ukrainian children who have joined our youth team and Myron in particular is excelling, probably due to his extensive training back in Ukraine and Dayd a young u10 player is a developing talent . We are so pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for our new Ukrainian young players and we hope they will continue to develop, not only on the ice, but also as driven young people in the local community. I would like to thank our volunteer coaches and managers and all of our Academy families for making both boys so welcome”