Elina Svitolina Sets Up Foundation for Young People Affected by War in Ukraine

Elina Svitolina, the world No 18 tennis player, has not only been making waves on the court but also off it by setting up a foundation for young people affected by the war in Ukraine. In a recent interview with the Sky Sports Tennis Podcast, the 29-year-old opened up about the difficulties of competing amidst the ongoing conflict in her home country.

Svitolina revealed that the news from Ukraine often brings her to tears, especially as her family, including her grandmother in Odesa, is still based there. Despite the challenges, she managed to reach her third career Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon last year, shortly after returning to tennis following the birth of her daughter.

The Ukrainian tennis star described her country as her “happy place” and expressed her desire to give back to the people who motivate her. She uses her platform as a top athlete to create projects for the mental health of young people affected by the war, emphasizing the importance of using her position to make a positive impact.

“When I got pregnant, the war just started so I had time to sit down and understand what I can do and how I can be helpful for my country,” Svitolina said. “I want to make Ukrainians happy, they are struggling right now, so playing tournaments, winning matches and bringing this little positivity to them, that’s what drives me.”

Svitolina’s resilience and determination both on and off the court serve as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of sports in creating positive change. Her foundation aims to support the mental health of young people affected by the conflict, highlighting the importance of using one’s platform for good.