PATAFA to extend assistance to Ukraine

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) will be extending aid to Ukraine in response to a request from Sergey Bubka, the President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and Vice-President of World Athletics.

PATAFA said it will be sending $1,000 in monetary assistance while also launching an initiative to support refugees, displaced innocent civilians, athletes and children called “Waging Peace for Athletes and Kids in Ukraine”.

Bubka had written a letter requesting assistance amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, listing “first aid medical materials, hygiene products, clothes for kids, long-lasting food and financial support” as priorities while efforts are done to support those affected.

“My people live in danger. It is a very hard time for me – the time of hard working and the time of decisions on how to help my country my compatriots, athletes and coaches, my colleagues and friends, who need help as never,” he had said in the letter.

PATAFA said it will continue efforts to raise assistance while also expressing solidarity with Ukraine.

“In the meantime, Ukraine, through Mr. Bubka, is assured of our prayers and fraternal support. PATAFA and Philippine Athletics expresses solidarity with our dear Ukrainian brothers and sisters.”

Bubka is himself a legendary pole vaulter who has some history with athletics here in the Philippines.

It was Bubka, who was in the country at the time, that introduced future Filipino Olympian EJ Obiena to the possibility of training at the World Pole Vault Center in Italy if he could meet the qualification mark for an International Association of Athletics Federation scholarship.

—JMB, GMA News