18 Ukrainian ILCA (Laser) sailors were outside of Ukraine, training or racing when the war started. They are mostly from Odessa and Kiev and have been unable to return to their homes. These athletes continue to train and compete internationally thanks to generous donations from the sailing community. ILCA Ireland were quick to respond to the call for help, and have revealed that they have raised €1500 in donations to support Ukrainian ILCA sailors.
To assist this group, EurILCA (the European governing body for ILCA/ Laser dinghy) launched a crowdfunding campaign and requested assistance from the 42 district members across Europe; one of them being ILCA Ireland.
Donations are being managed by EurILCA with all collections going solely to support the ILCA Ukrainian team to travel, train and race. More information and link to make further donations HERE
Sofiia Naumenko, the 23 year old ILCA 6 sailor from Dnipro, has coordinated the efforts. In an interview on 21st May, she said; “When the war started, I was in Spain. I had no idea where to stay and so I was put in contact with a former windsurfer from my country who has lived in Spain for ten years. Her name is Olga Maslivets. She hosted me in her apartment and then helped me find a place to sleep both at the Europa Cup, held in Port de Pollenca, and at the Princesa Sofia Trophy, in Palma de Mallorca.” Sofiia is now training at lake Garda in Italy and commented; “Here in Italy the Ukrainian team is much bigger and therefore we all live in different places. After this regatta I will go to France, to the Hyères Olympic Week, where I believe the organizing committee will help me find a cheap accommodation. After all, I expect to have to stay in Europe for a while longer. “
Many thanks to all in the ILCA sailing community for their generous help!
The 18 sailors from the Ukrainian ILCA team are:
1. Sofiia Naumenko (ILCA 6)
2. Devid Izmailovsky (ILCA 6/7)
3. Oskar Madonich (ILCA 7)
4. Andrii Verdysh (ILCA 6/7)
5. Danylo Raichuk (ILCA 6)
6. Ivan Zhukalin (ILCA 7)
7. Valeriy Kudryashov (ILCA 7)
8. Stanislav Mulko (ILCA 7)
9. Semen Khashchyna (ILCA 6)
10. Nazar Artiukh (ILCA 6)
11. Roman Akopov (ILCA 6)
12. Andrii Lipchenko (ILCA 6)
13. Yelyzaveta Vynohradova (ILCA 6)
14. Anna Dehasiuk (ILCA 6)
15. Ivan Pylypchii (ILCA 4)
16. Ivan Antipin (ILCA 4)
17. Varvara Postrelko (ILCA 4)
18. Denys Saidukov (ILCA 7)
