LEN Launches Appeal To Raise Funds For Federations Supporting Ukrainian Athletes

Mykhaylo Romanchuk: Photo Courtesy: Deepbluemedia/Insidefoto

European governing body LEN has launched an appeal to extend financial support to Ukrainian aquatic athletes and countries hosting them following the Russian invasion.

The European Swimming League has – along with FINA and the International Olympic Committee – donated $100,000 to a new fund to support organisations and national federations which are already providing help.

Athletes and coaches were forced to leave Ukraine with federations using their own resources to offer pool space and accommodation.

However, this is unsustainable in the long term and LEN is now calling for donations of financial support.

LEN has estimated that a sum of approximately €1,000,000 ($1,052,000) is required to cover the total cost of all internationally active athletes to be able to train and participate in this year’s major events, including the European Junior Championships in Romania in July.

LEN President Antonio Silva said:

“LEN will cover the participation of Ukrainian athletes at the European Aquatics Championships and is now launching its own fundraising project to cover the costs of their preparations.”

LEN has opened a dedicated bank account where anybody (whether a Federation, a company, an
organisation or an individual) can make donations of any magnitude.

“We would like to stress that there is no ‘wrong’ amount. Any amount, as small as it may look like will
be a huge help in support of Ukrainian aquatics,” Silva added.

A press release by the federation said:

“LEN also understands that there might be entities (Federations) that may not be able to contribute with donations but are eager to open the doors of their pools and sports centres to host Ukrainian athletes.

“This is just as valuable support, and LEN would like to hear about it as well. Whenever possible and if appropriate, some Ukrainian athletes could be transferred to a new centre, helping to release some financial pressure on those Federations that may soon not be able to sustain hosting Ukrainian athletes anymore.”

Silva continued:

“We are more than certain that many of you will join us in big numbers in this special fundraising project, turning on a small light of hope in the lives of Ukrainian athletes.

“Ukrainian athletes are LEN athletes and LEN has a moral obligation to help them in continuing with their aquatics dreams.”

Donations can be made until 30 June 2022 after which LEN will distribute the funds raised according to criteria that will be announced in the near future.

Account details for donations:

Beneficiary of the account: Ligue Européenne de Natation
Rue de la Morâche 9
1260 Nyon
Switzerland

Bank address and details: UBS Switzerland AG
Place Saint-François 16
PO Box
CH-1002 Lausanne
Switzerland
Account number: 0233-EZ108858.0
IBAN: CH03 0023 3233 EZ10 8858 0
Currency: EUR
Clearing: 0233
SWIFT Address: UBSWCHZH80A

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