David Popovici (21 years old) participated in the DAR Scholarship Gala, offered by the Hope and Homes for Children Romania Foundation, and presented the 26 young people present at the event from the National Bank of Romania with the gold medals he won during the National Championships.
“Dreams” was probably the most spoken word at the DAR Scholarship Gala, supported by Hope and Homes for Children, and held in the premises of the National Bank. 26 children out of the 35 who will receive 2,000 euros each to continue dreaming were applauded and encouraged by swimmer David Popovici and rowers Maria Lehaci, Florin Lehaci Magdalena Rusu, Amalia Bereș, Marian Enache and Mihai Chiruță.
“DAR scholarships are more than financial support – they are an investment in the dreams of these young people. Every child deserves the chance to capitalize on their potential, regardless of the conditions in which they live. We want, through this program, to contribute to a future where excellence is not conditioned by social status”, explained Ștefan Dărăbuș, general director of the foundation.
David Popovici, ambassador of Hope and Homes for Children Romania, contacted this program two years ago. “I remember that I went to meet them, and when I was offered the chance to contribute, I don't know, to do good, I joined, I jumped with my eyes closed and I'm not going anywhere,” said the four-time world champion in the 100 and 200 m freestyle, before the event held on Thursday evening in the premises of the National Bank of Romania.
The gold medalist in the 200m event at the Paris Olympics also revealed that he followed the path of those he met. One of them is Sara, who still dreams of becoming a great tennis player. If in 2023 she cried when she met the swimmer, now, when she went on stage, she knew how to manage her emotions.
I would like them to follow my example in swimming, but first of all I would like them to follow their dreams, whatever they may be: chess, IT, dance, whatever. I am one of the many supporters of Hope and Homes for Children and, somehow, the real heroes in this whole story are the thousands and thousands of Romanians and companies who donate an impressive amount to them – David Popovich
David Popovici: “The work we do here and how we manage to help them means much more than my titles”
The four-time European champion of adadded: “Events like this mean so much more to me. The work we do here and how we manage to help them means so much more than my titles and everything that comes with them. I feel privileged to be in this position. It seems completely normal and natural for me to help when we can. I have a bigger platform perhaps than most people and I try to use it as best I can. And luckily I get to raise money for those who maybe they didn't have the same support that I had”pointed out David Popovici. Then he sat down on a red armchair and, for an hour and a half, listened to the dreams of the young people who took the stage.
Daria wants to become a doctor because she lost her father and now she wants to save lives. Rare wants to build a sports base for talented but under-resourced kids. Darius dreams of projects to help other people. The 26 dreams are big, but without support they will remain at this stage. “I, along with all the great athletes in this room, consider myself privileged to be here, to be part of your story and to be with you”said David Popovici, when he went on stage with the 26 fellows.
I started training a few days ago. It's better than I expected. I feel great in the water, I feel great in the gym and I was missing a routine – David Popovich
And to show their support even more, he also gave them a gold medal each from the ones he collected at the National Championships. “I consider myself very lucky. It takes a lot of work, ambition, but it's not about that. I consider myself lucky because I had the chance to be born in an environment where I had all the conditions and I had all the chances. Just because we don't live in a fair world, I think it's our duty, all of us, to be a little part of your story, with the little support we can give. You are the real heroes,” he said Popovici among the young people who were scrutinizing the gold medals.
