Sports, friendship, and support: how the Play2Rise camp for children of veterans took place in Dnipro

From August 4 to 8, Dnipro became a place for warmth, movement, and new discoveries.
As part of the Rise Ukraine charitable foundation’s initiative, a Play2Rise day sports camp was held for 20 children aged 8–12 — children of veterans, internally displaced families, and those who lost their parents during the full-scale invasion.

Five days — five new sports. Every day, participants tried something new: they played soccer, learned karate moves, tried their hand at tennis and basketball, and conquered heights on the climbing wall. For many, it was their first experience with sports in this format, but most importantly, it was their first experience with teamwork, trust, and joy.

“Children really need spaces like this. Here they feel safe, learn mutual support, and make friends. And sport becomes not only training for the body, but also restoration for the soul,” say the organizers.

How Play2Rise came about
The camp was made possible thanks to funds raised during a charity football match between the teams Varfamily (a restaurant chain), Avtomotiv (a comfortable car service in Dnipro), and baZa. The partners united for one goal — to give children from vulnerable groups a week of activity, care, and carefree laughter.

The team would like to express its special gratitude to the teachers of Lyceum 120, the coaches of the Dnipro basketball club, and the Slobozhansky community, who provided a soccer field and a climbing wall for the activities.

Children who grow up in difficult circumstances often lack not only material support, but also warm, safe moments of childhood. Play2Rise has become just such a place for them — where they can try new hobbies, gain confidence in their own abilities, and simply feel like children.
Supporting children is an investment in the future. And this project proves that through joint efforts, it is possible to create opportunities that change lives.
Let’s do good together with Rise 💙💛