HAMMOND — Indiana will host Olympic athletes from Ukraine who need to relocate for training due to the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Gov. Eric Holcomb has announced.
The country's Greco-Roman wrestling team will travel Thursday to Hammond Central High School in Hammond, where its members will train until Aug. 3, according to a news release from Holcomb's office.
“We are so happy to play our small part in providing these world-class athletes with refuge to continue their training in such a fantastic facility,” Holcomb said in a written statement. “This confirms what we have known all along — that our strongest state export has, and always will be, our Hoosier Hospitality.”
This effort is the result of a collaboration between the State, the Indiana Sports Corp, and the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.
It started back in March when Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of State Brad Chambers met with the Ambassador to Ukraine at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington, D.C. two weeks after Russia invaded the country.
During the team's three-week stay, athletes will have joint training sessions and meetings with local wrestlers. The SSCVA is coordinating offsite experiences, including a welcome reception.
"Northwest Indiana and the SSCVA are honored to be hosting the Ukrainian Olympic athletes," said David Uran, President and CEO of the SSCVA. "This is a fantastic opportunity for the region to extend our Hoosier hospitality while we assist these athletes to reach their Olympic dreams."
The Ukrainian Olympic Grego-Roman wrestling team ranked third at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, garnering a gold medal in the 87 kg weight category, a silver medal in the 67 kg weight category and winning fifth place in the 60 kg weight category.
The costs of travel and arrangement for the athletes and coaches were covered through a grant provided to the Indiana Sports Corp by the Indian Economic Development Corporation.
-
Funding continues to damper Indiana’s mental health infrastructure
The Indiana Behavioral Health Commission released its 2024 report on Tuesday. A lack of funding is causing a lack of access for people in need of services.Popular Indianapolis hot dog vendor to expand from food cart to food truck
Garcia’s Hot Dogs has served its signature hot dogs on 16th Street and Emerson Avenue for 14 years. Now, it will be taking its food on the road with a new food truck and expanding menu options.Local elementary students hold ‘Walk-a-thon’ to raise money for childhood cancer
Rosa Parks Elementary School in Perry Township hosted the event with a goal of raising $5,000 a collectively walk 560 miles for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.Silver Alert canceled for missing Selma woman
Angela Wright is missing from Selma and was last seen wearing a camo hat with a gray shirt and barefoot, carrying a pink, black and white bag.