Ukrainian Athletes

The Italian Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (FUIT) in partnership with the Italian Taekwondo Federation (FITA) has welcomed four Ukrainian athletes – three juniors and one senior – to Rome’s Olympic preparation center.

The Italian Taekwondo Federation (FITA) supported the four athletes in reaching Italy from areas between Odessa and Kharkiv in Ukraine. The athletes were emotionally welcomed by Olympic Champion Vito Dell'Aquila and team members Simone Alessio, Roberto Botta and Maristella Smiraglia, as well as Technical Directors Claudio Nolano and Carlo Molfetta.

Once the athletes have had time to acclimatize, they will begin to train with their Italian counterparts.

FITA President Angelo Cito has reiterated the federation’s commitment to using sport for solidarity in line with the objectives of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation.

done for these athletes,” Bach continued. “It’s the translation and application in the field of the Olympic spirit and our values, to stick together in the spirit of inclusion and non-discrimination: ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius - Communiter!’”

Cito expressed his thanks for Bach’s surprise visit.

“We are really proud of this wonderful surprise in the house of the Olympic athletes of Taekwondo - this is the beating heart of our sport where all the sacrifices and joys, defeats and victories converge, where everything is lived through the five-circle values,” Cito said.

“We welcome into the family these athletes in difficulty, in the spirit of the fundamental values of the Olympics.”

Cito noted that the aim of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation(THF) Italia was to give hope through sport to those in life who did not have the same opportunities.

“I can only thank with all my heart President Bach and President of the CONI, Giovanni Malago for the welcome surprise,” he said.