A young judo starlet from Bridge of Allan has told how the club where he hones his craft helped him settle in to the local community after he arrived from Ukraine in 2022.
Oleksandr Ostrikov – along with his mum Lesya and brother Kiril – was resettled in Scotland following the Russian Invasion of their homeland. They arrived in Bridge of Allan in July 2022.
With the help of his sponsor family, Oleksandr started attending Bridge of Allan Judo Club to continue his passion for the sport.
Within that time Oleksandr has made many great connections, progressed in the sport, and is now pursuing an education and career in sport.
Oleksandr, 19, has trained and competed since he was just four-years-old.
Sitting down with Club Sport Stirling recently, Oleksandr, joined by his sponsor John Biagi and club secretary Michael Durrington, explained how the club helped him settle in to life in Scotland after war broke out back home.
Reflecting on life back in Ukraine, he said: “I trained every day except Sunday, often twice per day. I also did additional swimming and gym work to help, so my school had to accommodate me missing some classes.”
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Oleksandr was first introduced to the club by John. He recalled: “John helped me with all of that, giving me the times and venue and dropping me off at every session. I first met Mike at the club, who then introduced me to other coaches who I could train with at other times as well.
“In Ukraine, it is more training on your own with a coach’s instructions to master your technique. Here it is more group skills and technique, so everyone is learning together and helping each other.
“I have met a lot of new people and really good friends. It has helped me with my studies and to get my coaching licence for Judo. I obtained my black belt as well.”
Younger brother Kiril is now following his footsteps.
When asked what other sports clubs could do better to welcome those who have recently arrived in the country get involved, Oleksandr said: “Be as welcoming as you can, let them know you can come and feel safe.”
Oleksandr was able to settle in to the club and the new way of life in Scotland a little faster by fellow Ukrainian and club member Michael, who was able to translate the coach’s instructions.