Australian football legend Jesaulenko heads mission to aid Chornobyl's victims

ESSENDON, Australia - Australian Football League legends Alex Jesaulenko and Ron Barrassi flew out to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, on February 2 as a team to hand over $250,000 worth of aid to children suffering from the effects of the Chornobyl disaster.

The aid campaign spearheaded by the Sunday Herald Sun brought out the best in Australians; 12 tons of medical supplies and equipment together with children's clothing and other items, were to be officially handed over in Kyiv. Lauda Air has flown the aid free of charge.

Joining Messrs. Jesaulenko and Barrassi on the trip is Derek Ballantine, assistant editor of Sunday Herald Sun, Tony Healey of Lauda and Stefan Romaniw, chairman of Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations.

During his stay in Ukraine Mr. Jesaulenko will also be inducted into the Ukrainian Museum of Sports in recognition of his achievements as an AFL player.

Mr. Jesaulenko, who traces his roots to the Luhansk region of Ukraine, will be the first Australian sportsman of Ukrainian background to be afforded the honor. The idea of the museum was raised during the 2000 Sydney Olympics with the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. The offer was made to Mr. Jesaulenko by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations as part of the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Ukraine's independence in 2001.

"I am honored that Ukraine has accepted me into this museum," Mr. Jesaulenko said. "My father would be proud - and I am too - that I am still regarded as a Ukrainian over there. I look forward to visit the land of my father and to retrace his steps."

An Australia Day celebration was to be held, promoting business, sports and Australian Ukrainian relations. The event was expected to be attended by the leadership of the Ukrainian Parliament, high-level government officials, sports figures and business leaders.

"This is a great opportunity to increase Australian awareness internationally," said Mr. Jesaulenko.

"We have an opportunity to show Australians are compassionate. This is an opportunity to improve Australia's international image in the area of humanitarian aid," he added.

"This trip will build stronger Australian Ukrainian relations. It will show the world that we as a nation do know how to respond to those in need," commented Mr. Romaniw.

Ukraine is also keen to develop relations with Australia, and the recently opened Ukraine-Australia House will be a focal point for humanitarian, business and migration discussion, as well as information.

"We are selling Australia as a destination for tourism and investment, and as a land of opportunity," Mr. Romaniw explained.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 17, 2002, No. 7, Vol. LXX

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