SUM members hold meet in Carrollton (07/28/96)

SUM members hold meet in Carrollton

by Roman Woronowycz

CARROLLTON, Ga. - More than 100 young Ukrainians from around the world gathered here on July 19 and for the next two weeks they will renew old acquaintances, have some fun and, along with that of course, attend some Olympic events.

The Ukrainian Youth Association (SUM) is in Carrollton for its Sixth Quadrennial "Zlet," this one for "Druzhynnyky (SUM members 18 and older). The 107 participants, from the U.S., Canada, Ukraine, Great Britain and even Australia, are residing on the grounds of West Georgia College, in the same dormitory building occupied by Ukraine's Olympians who stay here for final pre-Olympic training and acclimatization before moving into the Olympic Village.

This is not the first time that the SUM members have gathered for a Zlet at the site of the Olympics. In fact, they have done it this way every year since 1976, with the exception of 1988, when the gathering was held in Rome on the occasion of the Millennium celebrations of Ukrainian Christianity. "We always try to connect Zlet to some big event, usually the Olympics," said Christina Jancew.

Ms. Jancew, who is a member of the preparatory committee and the women's camp counselor, said they are here to support the athletes, to see some Olympic events and to enjoy themselves. But they also have a full schedule of activities. "The program is very structured," said Ms. Jancew.

Among the many activities planned are hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, golf and miniature golf, visits to a local winery, the Alpine Village and Six Flags Great Adventure Park. (Whew, sounds tiring.)

"It took a lot of time and work to put it together," explained Ms. Jancew. She said that "even with the many activities the goal was to maintain the spirit of a SUM tabir (camp)."

The responsibility for doing that resides with the camp's leadership which comprises: the head counselor, Halyna Holowka from Montreal; first head counselor, Ivan Makar from New York; women's counselor, Ms. Jancew of Passaic, N.J.; men's counselor, Michael Bycko of Cleveland; sports director, Larysa Lubko of Toronto; and secretary, Peter Kosciolek of Passaic, N.J.

The committee that planned the event includes: Lida Mykytyn, Jessica Bodniewicz, George Mykytyn, Stefa Hryckowian and Yuriy Priatka, all from New York City, Ms. Jancew and Krystyna Kosz of Passaic, N.J., and Tania Sawa of Syracuse, N.Y.

It took three years to organize the event, explained Ms. Jancew. But doing so was not an effort. "What a wonderful experience for all who attend (Zlet). It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to go to the Olympic Games. And what a better way than to coincide the two."

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