On April 17, Kyiv marked Play True Day — a global initiative that brings together millions of people worldwide around the principles of fair play and doping-free sport. To celebrate the occasion, the “Clean Sport Cup” — a team padel tournament — was held, bringing together representatives of public authorities, the sports community, and leading Ukrainian athletes.

Play True Day, launched by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), is held under the slogan “Play True. It starts with you” and serves as a reminder that clean sport begins with each individual’s personal choice.
The event combined competition with an open dialogue on the values of sport, where not only the result matters, but also the path taken to achieve it.

Director of the National Anti-Doping Center of Ukraine, Serhii Popyk, emphasized:
“For us, Play True Day is not just a symbolic date, but an opportunity to unite the entire sports community around shared values. We consistently promote fair play and are pleased to see both professional athletes, amateurs, para-athletes, and everyone who shares the principle that sport must be doping-free joining this movement. Together, we are shaping a strong and responsible voice of Ukraine in the global clean sport movement.”

President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, Vadym Huttsait, noted:
“Today, we once again demonstrate that Ukrainian sport is about unity and values. It is fair play that builds trust in us around the world and strengthens the country’s reputation.”

Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Matvii Bidnyi, stressed:
“Clean sport starts with the choice of each individual. Our task is to create conditions where this choice is obvious — through education, support, and systematic work. We are building a culture where integrity is the norm.”

Director of the State Institution “Sport for All Agency of Ukraine”, Andrii Rebryna, highlighted the role of fair play as the foundation of trust in sport:
“Fair play is where any sport begins. When a person chooses movement, competition, or a team, they also choose the rules. And it is adherence to these rules that builds trust — between athletes, coaches, and fans. Mass sport works with values every day, and through such initiatives, we make them visible and understandable to everyone.”

A special part of the event was the presentation of awards to NADCU Clean Sport Ambassadors — Yuliia Levchenko, Oleksandra Merkushyna, and Anastasiia Merkushyna. The athletes joined the awareness campaign and became role models for the younger generation of athletes.

Play True Day is not only about rules. It is about trust, responsibility, and the choices we make every day — in sport and in life.

Clean sport starts with you.