FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ukraine Fund launches to support athletes affected by conflict
World Athletics, together with the International Athletics Foundation (IAF)
and the Members of the Diamond League Association, has today launched a
Ukraine Fund to support professional athletes affected by the conflict in
their home country.
The fund's purpose is to ensure that elite Ukrainian athletes and their key
support personnel can continue to train, qualify and participate in World
Championship events following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Two groups will be eligible for funding: individual athletes (Group One)
and key athlete support personnel and immediate family members (Group Two).
Group One includes athletes who are affiliated to the Ukrainian Athletic
Association and have qualified, or have a credible chance to qualify, to
compete at any upcoming World Athletics Championships until fund closure.
Group Two includes those acting as a designated coach or team leader to
athletes in Group One, as well as parents, spouses and children living
together with athletes in Group One.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe commented: "It's only right that
the athletics community provides whatever support we can to the athletes of
Ukraine, who have been put in this terrible situation and need our
assistance to continue training and competing. I know several of our Member
Federations in Europe are already hosting groups of Ukrainian athletes in
training camps and I'm grateful for their humanitarian approach to these
tragic circumstances. This fund will provide further support for Ukrainian
athletes to enable them to have some stability and security as they prepare
to represent their country while the war continues."
Commenting from Ukraine, President of the Ukrainian Athletic Association
Yevhenii Pronin said: "In dark times you can clearly see bright people.
World Athletics, Diamond League, IAF and all the national federations that
offered us their help - this is the standard of unity and support!
"Thousands of victims, millions of refugees, destroyed infrastructure,
including sports infrastructure, terrified our hearts, but we believe that
the worst is over.
"Every day I thank from my heart the entire world community for opening the
doors of their homes for our people, for everyone who helps our athletes
and their families and for World Athletics, for creating this fund for our
athletes and our sport.
"The entire team of the federation is safe and is working to ensure that
the athletes of our country and their families are safe and together with
you we will save our favorite sport and make it stronger. Thank you from
all Ukraine."
The fund will provide financial assistance to the following:
For Group One:
- Enrolment, subsistence and accommodation, at training camps / temporary
housing;
- Travel and accommodation to compete at qualifying events for World
Championships;
- Travel and accommodation to compete at World Athletics Championships if
not otherwise provided;
- Training material and equipment.
For Group Two:
- Coach attendance to training and competition;
- Travel and accommodation to accompany Group One athletes at qualifying
events for World Championships;
- Travel and accommodation to accompany Group One athletes at World
Athletics Championships.
The fund opens today with a current budget of US$190,000, created with
contributions from the IAF, Diamond League members and World Athletics. The
Diamond League Association has previously donated US$30,000 directly to the
Ukrainian Athletic Association and many of the individual meeting
organisers will provide additional travel and accommodation support to
athletes wanting to compete in their meetings.
It is expected that up to 100 Ukrainian athletes may require some financial
support this year.
The fund can receive additional contributions at any time until fund
closure which is set for 31 December 2023. Funding per beneficiary will be
allocated on a needs-basis.
Potential beneficiaries can register for consideration by emailing
Other athletics organisations who would like to contribute to the fund,
should also contact
World Athletics will coordinate with the International Olympic Committee's
Solidarity Fund for the Ukrainian Olympic community, through senior
vice-president Sergey Bubka, to prevent any duplication of efforts.
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