24/04/2010 (09:12 GMT +03:00) Shevchenko (both of them!) always come to mind when mentioning our country. 5. These symbols have created a certain positive image of Ukraine in the world. 6 People in Ukraine are usually described as generous and welcoming, which is true. 7. Everyone knows that Ukraine is a country with great history and traditions that are passed from generation to generation. 8 I’m sure it is also a stereotype that describes the right image of our country. 9 misszebra (11:30:44 24/04/2010) 24/04/2010 (09:12 GMT +03:00) 1 Like legends and myths, stereotypes have a little bit of truth, a little bit of history and a little bit of ingenuity. 2 Speaking of Ukraine and the image it presents to the world, it’s hard to speak about stereotypes. 3 Being a young independent state, Ukraine is starting to establish itself in the world arena and it is not very well-known abroad. 4 Nevertheless, such words as borsch, Cossacks, hospitality, and even famous people like misszebra (11:30:44 24/04/2010) 24/04/2010 (09:12 GMT +03:00) Of course, negative features can be attributed to every country. 10 Sometimes foreigners think that life in Ukraine is hard, there are problems in economy and politics and there is a constant issue of corruption. 11 To my mind, it is close to truth, but which country doesn’t have such problems? 12. I don’t think stereotypes of Ukrainians harm the image of the country and we surely don’t need to change them. 13. Our culture, however old, is misszebra (11:30:44 24/04/2010) 24/04/2010 (09:12 GMT +03:00) still developing and I’m sure Ukrainians have yet to show their true image. 14. In order to do so, we should try and help our economy, political system and culture develop and grow. 15. But first we should start with none other than ourselves. 1 The Olympic Games are a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. 2 Olympic Games promote misszebra (11:30:44 24/04/2010) 24/04/2010 (09:12 GMT +03:00) peace and friendship among the nation. 3 Unlike other international sports events, Olympic games take place every two years.4 It is very prestigious to take part in this competition. 5 Sportsmen from all over the world are working hard to earn a chance to go to the Olympics. 6 The Olympic games usually consist of several ceremonies, which include opening, closing and medal presentation. 7. Besides, there are many other events that celebrate misszebra (11:30:44 24/04/2010) 24/04/2010 (09:12 GMT +03:00) sport from all around the world. 8 Nearly every nation is represented in the Olympic Games, and Ukraine is not an exception. 9 Among the most notable Ukrainian champions are Serhiy Bubka, Yana Klochkova and others. 10 Ukraine first participated at the Olympic Games as an independent nation in 1994, and has sent athletes to compete in every Summer Olympic Games and Winter Olympic Games since then. 11 Ukraine has won a total of 96 medals at misszebra (11:30:44 24/04/2010) 24/04/2010 (09:12 GMT +03:00) the Summer Games and five at the Winter Games. 12 Gymnastics has been the nation's top medal-producing sport. 13. Unfortunately this year Ukraine brought no medals home from Vancouver. 14. Nevertheless, I hope that the next Olympics will be more successful for Ukrainian sportsmen. 15 Hopefully Ukrainians will perform "swifter, higher and stronger" as the Olympic motto says.