Press release by Bravo Victor on 15 August 2022.
BRAVO VICTOR, the veterans’ charity, has received a generous donation from Lord Ashcroft to help 70 Ukrainian athletes training in Britain for this summer’s Warrior Games.
The Ukrainian team, which arrived in Britain 4 weeks ago, is made up of serving and former members of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Competitors and specialist support staff are being hosted at the Blind Veterans UK facility near Brighton before attending the Warrior Games, which take place in Orlando, Florida between 19 and 28 August.
The Warrior Games is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured or ill service personnel and veterans organised by the United States Department of Defense.
BRAVO VICTOR’s Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Renata Gomes, who led the initiative to support the athletes, said “I remember getting the call from the Ministry for Veteran Affairs, while on a work visit to the US. The scene was set rather clearly, stating that Ukraine has no functional facilities, and no kit and equipment, and that the team needed somewhere safe to train. It was obvious to me that we simply had to try and do something.”
Prof Gomes added: “There have been great acts of generosity from an array of supporters, and we are immensely grateful for the significant contribution from Lord Ashcroft. This contribution will go a long way to ensure that we can deliver an experience that we can all be proud of.”
In just six weeks, BRAVO VICTOR’s sister charity, Blind Veterans UK, worked up a plan to turn its centre near Brighton into a training facility.
Blind Veterans UK CEO, Major General (Retd) Nick Caplin, CB said “Whist effort, energy and goodwill are plentiful, there are real cost implications in delivering this project in a way that properly meets the magnitude and significance of the task as well as ensuring the athletes are well supported.”
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC said “A gargantuan effort has been made by those who took on the challenge to facilitate this. I am delighted to support the project and give these athletes the opportunity to represent their country and fly their flag with pride.”
The Ukrainian Minister for Veteran Affairs, Major General Yulia Laputina said “Ukrainian warriors have become a symbol of bravery and dignity. Every day our defenders give their life for fundamental value of Freedom. This year Team Ukraine will participate the very first time in Warrior Games. Our defenders will become sport competitors for several weeks before returning to their positions in the front line. That is why the mission of our Team Ukraine is unique. I would like to express my gratitude to Lord Ashcroft and all those, who made the participation of Team Ukraine possible in Warrior Games 2022. Together we make stronger the spirit not only of Ukrainian People, but the whole civilized world”.
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