Olympic Star Viktoriia Onopriienko Inspires Young Athletes at Vienna Victory RG Club

In a remarkable initiative aimed at promoting holistic youth development through sports, the Vienna Victory RG Club hosted an impressive training camp in the Donaustadt district of Vienna, featuring Olympian Viktoriia Onopriienko. During this ten-day program, Onopriienko, a celebrated medalist, engaged with promising young athletes, showcasing her skill, precision, and warmth.

Onopriienko expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with the talented youth, highlighting her own journey from a young girl with dreams to a world-class athlete. She emphasized the importance of showing young people that their dreams are achievable, regardless of their backgrounds.

The training camp was underscored by a commitment to promoting physical activity among children and adolescents, addressing the concerning statistic that 81% of youth globally do not engage in sufficient physical activity, as reported by the World Health Organization. Evelina Brada, the President of the Vienna Victory RG Club, noted that early sports engagement is crucial for reducing risks associated with obesity, emotional challenges, and academic problems. She reiterated the club's responsibility in fostering a supportive environment for youth, underscoring Onopriienko's role as a credible ambassador for empowerment and diversity within the sport.

Political support for rhythmic gymnastics was evident from Yvonne Rychly, a member of the Vienna State Parliament and sports spokesperson for the SPÖ. Rychly acknowledged the need for role models like Onopriienko, who exemplify how passion, discipline, and joy can lead to success in sports. She praised the potential of rhythmic gymnastics in a diverse city like Vienna and highlighted the city's ongoing investment in expanding sports opportunities for young people.

Emil Diaconu, Managing Director of Social City Wien, emphasized the broader societal importance of such sports initiatives, stating that sports transcend mere physical training; they serve as a vital tool for social development, inclusion, and personal growth. He remarked on the commitment to nurturing children's all-around development--athletically, emotionally, and socially--through collaboration with the Vienna Victory RG Club.

According to Nikolaus Brada, the club president, the long-term vision is to establish a comprehensive center for rhythmic gymnastics in Austria that is accessible to all and characterized by professional structure and innovative methods. The recent training camp was identified as a significant milestone in achieving this goal.