Aspire to Greatness! Our Zdvyh 2017 lived up to its slogan.

CYM GB’s 69th National Rally (Krayoviy Zdvyh) took place on Saturday 1st July 2017 at Tarasivka under the slogan “Aspire to Greatness”.

CYM members and friends came together for this traditional celebration to demonstrate the unity of our great Ukrainian family, make new friends, represent their local CYM groups and watch each other’s performances.

The rally started with a common prayer at the Camp chapel. Children and adults alike prayed for a better future for Ukraine and thanked God for his kindness.
CYMivtsi also remembered the significant events from throughout Ukraine’s history that feature on this year’s list of official anniversaries.

CYM branches from Bradford and Wolverhampton invited all CYMivtsi to join them in commemoration of June 30th 1941, when the Act of the ‘Restoration of the Ukrainian State’ was proclaimed in Lviv. Following the official opening at the chapel, there was a short ceremony to remember the event.

One of the most anticipated events of the day was the concert and competition. 277 participants from different age groups and different Oseredky (branches) performed on stage in front of a packed out audience.

Bohdan Prychidnyj, the chairman of the Zdvyh jury, said that CYMivtsi from London, Coventry, Manchester, Waltham Cross, Nottingham, Ashton, Bradford, Wolverhampton, Derby and Stockport showed off their creative talents.

The program featured an impressive variety of genres: singing and dancing were interwoven with acrobatic numbers and there were performances by ensembles, choirs and soloists. In total, there were a stunning 38 performances on the program!

The competition concluded with a joint performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine.

The festivities continued into the evening with “Verkhovyna” and “Coniak” mobile DJs who entertained all the guests and overnight campers.

“This year CYM’s Krayoviy Zdvyh was, once again, a great success and continues to be GB’s largest Ukrainian cultural event” – said the head of the CYM GB’s National Committee, Zenon Finiw. Zenon believes that CYM is extremely fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers who help make this day a success and that everyone deserves a big thank you.

In his own words: “I’d also like to thank all those who performed, once again you showed what talents we have here in CYM GB and what dedication our performers and teachers all give in order to put on such a great show. CYM GB and all cymivtsi should be very proud that they are able to put on such a great show. Thank you again to all involved.”

Roma Melnyk, who has been Zdvyh’s head organiser for the last five years says: “It takes around 80 volunteers to run zdvyh for the weekend. We cover all jobs, from the kitchen and bar staff, to litter pickers and judges for the competition. People generously give up their time and without them, the weekend could not happen.

Although preparation starts a whole year in advance, the last week in the run up to zdvyh is crucial. To name but a few jobs that happen behind the scenes: the grass needs cutting, the marquee needs to be decorated, and people work tirelessly to make sure we have enough varenyky to feed our hungry guests. And, it’s not just the preparation beforehand either: we are run off our feet all weekend, ensuring everything runs smoothly. I averaged 34,000 steps on the Saturday making sure all the jobs were being covered and I know I won’t be alone in this high number”.

According to the organisers, preparations for Zdvyh 2018 have already begun. See you next year!