The Ukrainian Council for Physical Culture (Rada fizychnoi kultury, or RFK) was founded by Ukrainian refugees in postwar Germany in November 1945. This organization coordinated over 50 Ukrainian sports clubs that had arisen in the DP camps. These clubs organized teams in track-and-field, volleyball, basketball, swimming, skiing, table tennis, boxing, hiking, chess, and soccer. Both men and women were involved in athletic competitions organized by the RFK. The RFK also promoted sports by introducing a standard test for a physical fitness badge; accredited referees and judges; and organized courses and training camps. On the initiative of the RFK the International Committee of Political Refugees held a DP Olympiad in June-November 1948 in Nuremberg. The council also organized competitions among Ukrainian sports clubs, between Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian clubs, and occasional contests against non-DP clubs or military units. After the mass emigration of refugees from Germany, the RFK ceased its activities in 1950. The album includes photographs of the various Ukrainian DP sports clubs in Germany that were overseen by the Council. The majority of photographs were taken during the 1948 DP Olympiad, and during inter-league competitions between Ukrainian sports clubs.
Scope: 1946-1948
Size: 1 photo album
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