This video is a tribute to all Ukrainians who live with dignity and principle rather than bowing to terrorists who kill and destroy them and their land. That dignity is shared not only by Ukrainian adults but also by Ukrainian children who take a stand when necessary. In December 2024, 16- year-old Mariia Hnes, a Ukrainian karate champion, competed in Vienna, Austria against an athlete from terrorist russia. They both won medals and were expected to stand together on the podium and take a group photo. However, Mariya, whose father serves in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, chose instead to walk away, and her principled act of dignity was caught on video and became a viral moment of pride for Ukrainians everywhere.
In September, 2025, I was in Kyiv to film a music video with Mariia to inspire the world with the strength and honor of Ukrainians of all ages. We filmed the video over several days in Kyiv during some of the worst missile and drone attacks of the war. In the video, you can see us sheltering during one of those attacks. This video is being released on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war along with a campaign to support the children of Ukrainian soldiers who participate in sports. We have created a website at UkrainianChampions.com to raise funds for the campaign that will be managed by my KelsieKimberlinFoundation.org website. All funds raised will be used to support the campaign and assist the children.
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