The Dance of Freedom World Tour, an international cultural initiative implemented by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation in partnership with FC Shakhtar, is bringing the inspiring story of 10-year-old Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast Oleksandra (“Sasha”) Paskal to audiences across five continents. Following events in Paris, New York and Rio de Janeiro, the tour’s fourth stop will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 27–28 July 2026, before proceeding to Tokyo.
Sasha’s journey embodies resilience and determination. At the age of six, she survived a missile attack in Ukraine’s Odesa region, which resulted in the amputation of her leg. Following extensive rehabilitation, she returned to rhythmic gymnastics with a prosthetic limb and has since become an internationally recognised young athlete. Today, through the Dance of Freedom project, she promotes the universal values of resilience, inclusion, hope and human dignity, while advocating for the rights of children affected by war.
The highlight of Sasha’s visit to Kenya will be a special event hosted by UNICEF Kenya, in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Kenya, on 28 July at the United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON) Complex (Agora Space). As part of the UNICEF@80 celebrations, this special event will provide a meaningful moment to honor UNICEF’s eight decades of commitment to child rights, inclusion, resilience, and every child’s potential. The event will bring together children and young people,
representatives of the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, the diplomatic community, athletes and sports organizations.
Beyond the UNICEF event, Sasha’s Nairobi program includes activities organized in partnership with the Gymnastics Federation of Kenya, the Kenya National Paralympic Committee, and The PlayAble Network. These engagements will bring Sasha together with young gymnasts, para-athletes, children with and without disabilities, coaches, educators and community organizations, creating opportunities for shared learning, inspiration and the promotion of inclusive sport.
Through sport, culture and shared experiences, the Dance of Freedom event seeks to foster solidarity with children affected by conflict while promoting inclusion, resilience and hope for every child.
