Paska has been a rhythmic gymnast since a young age, but her life was changed forever in 2022 when she lost her leg as a result of a Russian missile attack on her home region of Odesa in Ukraine
After receiving treatment and undergoing rehabilitation, she began competing again with the use of a prosthesis and won the gold medal at the prestigious Carla's Rhythmic Cup earlier this year, dazzling with her technical ability and remarkable resilience. She was also awarded the "Future of Ukraine" state honour by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Now, she will share her talents with the world, performing in Paris (July 17th), New York (July 20th), Rio de Janeiro (July 23rd), Nairobi (July 27th) and Tokyo (July 31st) this summer in the Dance Of Freedom Tour.
Dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, the tour will celebrate her courage and talent, and the nation's ongoing fight for freedom, and will be supported by Shakhtar owner Akhmetov's foundation and the club itself.
"The tour reflects the continued commitment of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation to supporting people in Ukraine during the war, including children and families affected by injury, displacement and trauma," a statement reads. "Together with FC Shakhtar Donetsk, the Foundation is using sport, storytelling and international visibility to amplify the voices of Ukrainians whose lives have been changed by the war."
"Oleksandra’s journey is not a story of pity but of recovery. Through every performance, she carries a simple message from Ukraine to the world: even in the face of war, children’s dreams can survive."