Heraskevych, Athletes for Peace plan to establish support fund for families of fallen Ukrainian athletes
The athlete told this to Ukrinform this on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
"Many people are probably asking: what comes next? Together, we are launching a fundraising campaign with a German organization for the families of athletes. Athletes for athletes. This is a wonderful initiative that will also help honor the memory of these remarkable individuals," Heraskevych said.
He clarified that he is not calling on Ukrainians to contribute, but rather appealing to international friends. Therefore, he is not sharing bank details for donations in Ukraine.
The goal is to establish a permanent fund to support the relatives of fallen athletes.
The athlete displayed a helmet featuring 24 portraits, but emphasized that the number of athletes who have been killed is far higher. This must be remembered, he said.
The helmet will remain in his possession for now, Heraskevych added, noting that he took part in events on the margins of the conference.
Athletes for Peace has publicly protested against Russia's war in Ukraine.
As Ukrinform previously reported, Heraskevych was disqualified ahead of his first run at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He had planned to compete wearing the "helmet of remembrance," but the race began without his participation. On the eve of the event, the International Olympic Committee barred him from competing with the commemorative helmet, citing non-compliance with the rules.
The disqualification of the Ukrainian athlete at the 2026 Olympics was widely condemned internationally.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the IOC's decision to disqualify the Ukrainian skeleton racer does not reflect adherence to the principles of Olympism, which are founded on fairness and the promotion of peace.
Zelensky later awarded Heraskevych the Order of Freedom.
