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By Jim Caltagirone
For the Mirror
Despite the well-intentioned missions of the United Nations and International Olympic Committee, the innocents who are still sheltering in Ukraine awake every morning not knowing if they will live to see another dawn.
Among them are 26 members of the country's men's national soccer team, which clings to the hope of qualifying for the World Cup in November.
Russia's invasion forced a postponement of Ukraine's playoff qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow on March 24. That match has been rescheduled for June.
The 11 other members of Ukraine's national team are competing in leagues outside the country, including England's Premier League.
For his part, Oleksandr Petrakov, the team's manager, would prefer to help defend his country, but at age 64, he has been denied a role in the territorial defense.
He has refused to flee his home in Kyiv for the relative safety of western Ukraine.
In an interview with the Guardian, Petrakov said that his players continually express concern for his safety.
"They're calling to me saying, 'Please be safe. We couldn't bear it if you were killed. You're staying in dangerous zone.' But it is easier here," Petrakov said. "If I were there, it would be harder. Mostly, all the parents of these players are staying in Ukraine. The players worry."
The final European qualifiers, which also include Wales, will determine the fourth team in Group B, which consists of the United States, England and Iran.
The irony of the draw is that the United Kingdom may end up hosting a training camp for the Ukrainian team.
After the prolonged layoff, the team desperately needs structured practices in preparation for the June qualifier. Exhibition matches might be arranged with Premier League teams.
The men's national soccer team is yet another symbol of Ukraine's resolve and courage. Had the team chosen to forfeit its place in the qualifiers, the decision certainly would have been met with international understanding.
Now, the team rightfully deserves to receive universal support in all forms possible, as it seeks advancement to the World Cup.
At times like these, when countries with hostile intentions are threatening the security, freedoms and liberties of neighboring peoples, it's fair to question whether the Olympic movement has any meaningful impact on building a peaceful and better world, as its goal states.
Hypocrisy abounds as aggressors send their athletes forth in search of Olympic glory, while at the same time unsettling the world order with provocations and military actions.
Just as the United Nations is limited in its ability to thwart international aggression, maybe it's time to finally strip away all the pretentions of the Olympics and view them for what they are -- an over-hyped entertainment spectacle that, considering the length of each Games, produces few enduring memories.
In sport, what everyone remembers are acts that defy the bully and performances that triumph over adversity.
Given the events that have unfolded in their country, the members of Ukraine's men's national soccer team are now playing for more than a spot in the World Cup and the honor of their homeland.
Each time they compete from now on, they will symbolize the rule of law and all that is right and decent in a civilized world.
To paraphrase from a speech by President Kennedy, those will be occasions when all free peoples, wherever they may live, will be citizens of Ukraine.
Jim Caltagirone resides in Altoona. He is an occasional contributor to Voice of the Fan.