This is a story about how the Czech ultimate frisbee community came together for Ukrainian athletes who are now defending their country.
When Lera and I first discussed this initiative, we were full of doubt. Would it work? Would people care? Was it the right time? But when you aren’t sure, the best thing to do is just try.
I went to a small chat group of Czech beach ultimate players and decided to be fully open. I shared stories of athletes who had traded their team jerseys for body armor and now at war. I asked for support, prepared the post, and then stared at the “send” button for few more hours. Finally, I clicked it and went for a walk to clear my head.
When I returned, the first donations were already there. Then more. And more.
It is hard to explain how much this means. Ordinary people, 1,000 kilometers away, chose to help strangers simply because they believed it was the right thing to do.
My favorite part wasn’t the total sum. It was the messages of solidarity with Ukraine that came with the transfers:
“…It is thanks to you that we can live normally; that cannot even be repaid with money.”
“I consider it my duty.”
“It is a great opportunity to help specific people directly.”
“It’s a good reminder that we regular people can do something on our own.”
“We greatly appreciate your dedication and heroism. I actually perceive your defense as our own—the defense of freedom, democracy, and justice against evil.”
Last week, I sent the money to Anton. He collects donations for our friends—the same people we used to play frisbee with.
I didn’t ask Anton to direct the funds to anyone specific, so I think it was by chance that the donation went toward the needs of my former teammate, Andrii Antoniuk, aka “Android.”
He earned the name for his mechanical stamina; he could run for points on end without a sub, his legs never seeming to tire.
Beyond the sport, he is a super genuine and kind person and a loving father.
Today, Andrii’s stamina is being tested in ways we never imagined. He is fighting on the “zero line” in the infantry. His last mission was brutal: 43 consecutive days on the front, 32 of which his unit spent surrounded, under constant shelling, repelling several infantry assaults. He eventually endured a 3.5-kilometer evacuation while suffering from a broken rib and concussions. He is in the hospital now, recovering.
One last thought: many Ukrainians living abroad feel the same way I do. It feels like we are never helping enough. No matter what we do, it seems small.
But what if this is our small opportunity to help more: to be a bridge. A tiny but vital line connecting the peaceful societies where we live to the front lines in Ukraine. What if we are the link between those who enjoy freedom and those currently fighting to defend it?
Thank you, Czech ultimate community, for standing on that bridge with me. 🇨🇿🇺🇦
