Thank you to the National Rugby League (NRL) for honouring the Ukrainian warrior spirit as part of the ANZAC Round.
The Ukrainian Council of NSW (UCNSW) partnered with the NRL to host a day of activities for displaced Ukrainian children and their Australian-Ukrainian friends.
The day featured a rugby league coaching clinic, Accor Stadium tour, BBQ, followed by a Last Post ceremony and a commemoration of brave Ukrainians who have given their lives defending Ukrainian sovereignty.
Dan Wolody, UCNSW President said today “Rugby league is offering a beacon of hope in Ukraine. There is a Ukrainian Super League, and Ukraine is attempting to qualify for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup.
“Some NRL players have Ukrainian heritage. One of these is Nathan Cleary, who has Ukrainian heritage through his grandmother Marie, who was born in a German concentration camp after the Nazis invaded Ukraine during World War II.
“We take strength from knowing that the NRL stands with Ukraine, and supports Australia’s and Ukraine’s shared values of freedom, democracy & rule of law.
Apart from building closer ties between Australians and Ukrainians, events like this provide joy to those who live with the constant stress of knowing that the lives of their family and friends in Ukraine are always at risk due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine” he added.
