Former U.S. Olympian Dachniwsky carries Olympic torch in Wisconsin (02/10/02)

Former U.S. Olympian Dachniwsky carries Olympic torch in Wisconsin

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Former U.S. Olympian Yaro Dachniwsky of Chicago carried the Olympic torch in Racine, Wis., in early January as it traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, which begin on February 8..

"In these trying times, it was an honor to be selected to carry a symbol of peace," said Mr. Dachniwsky. "It is another moment in my life that consists of many great memories that I will have forever."

Mr. Dachniwsky, a former professional soccer player, today is senior manager of corporate sales for the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.

He was a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Handball Team, playing the position of goalkeeper and contributing mightily to the team's ninth place finish in Atlanta - the best U.S. Olympic Team finish ever in that sport.

Mr. Dachniwsky had a professional soccer goalkeeping career that spanned 10 years. "Yaro," as he was known during his playing days, won five championships during his soccer career, including one as the reserve goalkeeper for the Chicago Sting (North American Soccer League, 1984), another with the Memphis Storm (National Professional Soccer League, 1987-1988), and three with the Atlanta Magic (United States Interregional Soccer League indoor, 1992-1994).

Mr. Dachniwsky earned USISL Goalkeeper of the Year honors with Atlanta in 1993 and 1994. In 1986-1987, he posted the lowest goals against average in NPSL history with 3.32 for Memphis. He played also for the Atlanta Attack, Dallas Sidekicks, Carolina Vipers, Milwaukee Wave and San Diego Sockers before joining the Fire's front office in 1998.

It was his soccer prowess that earned him an invitation to try out for the U.S. National Team in handball.

Wsewolod Sokolyk, then chairman of the Sports Commission of the Ukrainian World Congress, wrote the following in the July 14, 1996, issue of The Weekly.

"When Yaro Dachniwsky stepped out onto the playing field of a televised indoor soccer match two years ago, he never imagined that it would change the course of his life.

"Guarding the goal for the San Diego Soccers, Mr. Dachniwsky impressed Dennis Berkholtz, a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic Handball Team who was watching the game at home on television. After the game Mr. Berkholtz called Mr. Dachniwsky and suggested that the goaltender try out for the U.S. handball team. Mr. Dachniwsky did and in November 1994 became a member of the national team.

"On May 7, a dream came true when Mr. Dachniwsky was named to the U.S. Olympic Handball Team for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics."

The coach of the U.S. National and Olympic Teams, Ukrainian American Rick Oleksyk commented in 1996 on Mr. Dachniwsky's skills: "[He's] lightning quick with cat-like reactions, Yaro brings 10 years of professional indoor soccer experience to this Olympic sport."

After the 1996 Olympics, Mr. Dachniwsky retired from competitive sports and moved back to Chicago. He said he has been playing soccer in an old-timers league with the Ukrainian Wings soccer club. "This is the club that I played with before pursuing my ultimate sports goals," he explained.

"I also work with the Wings youth teams, coaching and running soccer camps and clinics," he added.

Mr. Dachniwsky, 39, was born in Chicago, where he was involved in the Ukrainian community and its organizations, including the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the local school of Ukrainian studies.

As for his torch run on January 5, he commented: "As you could imagine, it was a huge honor to be asked to run with the Olympic flame. It also gave me the opportunity to share the experience with my family and close friends. Since my run took place in Racine, Wis., it was only a short ride from my home in the Ukrainian Village in Chicago. Some of my friends made the short trek."

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