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NYRA to host Ukraine Day at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna and Mark Bardack

Activities slated for Wednesday, August 24, in connection with Ukrainian Independence Day 

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will hold a day-long tribute and fundraiser for Ukraine at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 24, to correspond with the date of Ukraine’s declared independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. 

Fans are encouraged to wear yellow and blue in celebration of Ukraine and the Ukrainian flag will fly above the infield at Saratoga Race Course, adjacent to the American flag.  

Members of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the largest nonprofit in the United States dedicated to advancing and supporting the role of Ukrainian Americans, will accept monetary donations and distribute flyers and stickers at the admission gates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The UCCA is dedicated to offering aid to war-torn Ukraine and its displaced citizens. 

“We are overwhelmed and humbled by the opportunity to celebrate Ukraine Day at Saratoga Race Course on this important occasion of commemorating Ukraine’s Independence Day,” said Dr. Andrij Baran, President of the UCCA Capital District Chapter. “We thank the Capital District Community for the tremendous support they are providing for Ukraine. We are looking forward to a very successful event in raising donations and awareness during this difficult time that Ukraine is going through.” 

UCCA volunteers will staff the Community Outreach Booth at Saratoga Race Course from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. where they will discuss their mission, collect donations and sell t-shirts, bags, pins and related items to support fundraising efforts. 

Ukrainian-American vocalists will perform the national anthems of both the United States and Ukraine at approximately 11:30 a.m. Additionally, there will be performances on the track apron by Ukrainian-American singers and dancers following the second and third races of the afternoon. Ukraine Day will also be commemorated with a named race and plaque presentation by members of the UCCA. 

Tickets to Saratoga Race Course for Ukraine Day, and for all other days this summer, may be purchased at NYRA.com. 

Ukraine Day will kick off Runhappy Travers Week, which will culminate in the 153rd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on Saturday, August 27. 

The summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Monday, September 5. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. 

For additional information, visit NYRA.com.