In the heart of Gävle, Sweden, within the vibrant, colorful walls of Gävle Taekwondo Club, a unique initiative unfolds every Sunday. Since October 2023, Ukrainian refugees, spanning across diverse ages, gather for free taekwondo training sessions, a sanctuary and a source of stability in their lives uprooted by war. The command ”Charyot!” (Line up!) echoes through the training hall, instantly understood and obeyed, marking the beginning of a ritual that provides not only physical activity but also a sense of normalcy and community. This sanctuary, tucked away in a central Gävle building, has become a beacon of hope and resilience for these displaced individuals, offering a connection to a familiar activity and a respite from the challenges of their new reality.
Twelve-year-old Kateryna Buhlo, clad in her own taekwondo uniform, proudly displays her favorite kicks, her face beaming with enthusiasm. For Kateryna, the taekwondo training is more than just a physical activity; it’s an integral part of her life, a source of joy, and a tool for managing her ADHD. She attends three sessions a week, two with the Ukrainian group and one with Swedish children, seamlessly integrating into both communities. Her mother, Iryna, observes from the sidelines, her eyes reflecting a deep appreciation for the positive impact taekwondo has had on her daughter’s well-being. For Iryna, Viktoriia (Kateryna’s grandmother), and Anastasiia (Kateryna’s older sister), these training sessions represent a precious fragment of their former lives in Kharkiv, a city they were forced to flee in March 2022, leaving behind family and the familiar comforts of home.
The Buhlo/Ohiienko family, representing three generations of women, cling to this weekly routine as a source of stability in their uncertain lives. While Iryna and Viktoriia have yet to participate in the training themselves, they find solace in watching Kateryna and Anastasiia engage in the sport. The taekwondo sessions are not merely a physical activity but a symbolic anchor, a constant in their disrupted lives. While the pain of separation from family members still residing in Ukraine remains palpable, the family finds solace in the welcoming environment of Gävle and the sense of belonging fostered by the taekwondo community. The rhythmic commands, the focused movements, and the shared experience create a sense of normalcy, a temporary reprieve from the anxieties of displacement and the uncertainty of the future.
The training sessions, a blend of discipline and playfulness, cater to a range of ages and skill levels. Twelve-year-old Stepan Tomashev, another dedicated participant, embodies the spirit of focus and enjoyment. For him, every aspect of taekwondo is a source of enjoyment, from the initial lineup and stretching to the exhilarating kicks and practice routines. Like Kateryna, Stepan trains three times a week, both with the Ukrainian group and in a group with Swedish children, further fostering integration and the formation of new friendships. Driven by a deep passion for the sport, he aspires to achieve a black belt, a testament to his commitment and perseverance. Stepan, along with his mother and brother, arrived in Sweden in 2023, leaving behind a life that included kickboxing training in Ukraine.
Emil Jonsson Hillbom, the driving force behind this initiative, leads the training sessions with a blend of authority and warmth. With eleven years of experience in taekwondo, both as a trainer and practitioner, Emil’s dedication to supporting Ukrainian refugees stems from a personal connection. His relationship with his girlfriend, Svitlana, a Ukrainian refugee herself, ignited his passion to create a welcoming space for others in similar situations. Beginning with clothing drives, Emil’s efforts evolved into organizing the free taekwondo training sessions, fueled by a desire to facilitate integration and provide a sense of community. Supported by grants from the Swedish Sports Confederation (RF) and the Sports Educators (Sisu), which cover expenses like facility rental and equipment, the program thrives on collaboration and a shared vision of empowerment.
Emil’s commitment extends beyond the training mat. He has organized social gatherings, such as baking sessions at his home and a memorable outdoor barbecue, further strengthening the bonds within the group. He serves as a mentor and a confidant, providing support and guidance to the children and their families as they navigate the challenges of settling into a new country. For Emil, witnessing the participants’ progress and their growing sense of belonging is the ultimate reward. His dedication to fostering a sense of community extends beyond the physical aspects of taekwondo, encompassing emotional support and a genuine concern for the well-being of each individual. He sees the sport not only as a means of physical development but also as a platform for language acquisition and social interaction, particularly through the integration of Ukrainian children into training groups with their Swedish peers.
Among the participants is 25-year-old Tetiana Lutsyk, who describes taekwondo as ”a part of her life.” For Tetiana, the sport is a therapeutic outlet, a way to release negative energy and overcome the emotional challenges she faced after fleeing her home in southern Ukraine. The training sessions provide her with a much-needed routine and a sense of purpose. Having left her family behind in the occupied Cherson region, Tetiana finds solace in the taekwondo community, a place where she can connect with fellow Ukrainians and find strength in shared experiences. The free taekwondo training, made possible through the collaboration of RF-Sisu Gävleborg and Gävle Taekwondo Club, provides a vital lifeline for Ukrainian refugees like Tetiana, helping them to rebuild their lives and find a semblance of normalcy amidst the upheaval of displacement.
