In the spirit of Olympic solidarity

Despite the horrific acts upon their country, the Ukraine team at the 2022 Optimist World Championship rose above the hatred. Runner-up in the team racing championship, two Ukrainians finished in the top six overall, with both at times threatening for the title.

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, their athletes have been relying on allies to provide support, and that now includes the USA. While sunny San Diego may be well known as a sailing hub in southern California, the region also is home to a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for over 20 sports.

A 30 minute drive from downtown San Diego, the 155 acre campus and 3000 meter rowing and kayak course, along with 297 beds in the on-site resident village, will be hosting Ukrainian Athletic Federation in preparation for the 2022 World Athletic Championships on July 15-24 in Eugene, OR.

“We are very grateful for your kind and very important support and assistance in these difficult times for Ukraine,” said Oleskii Serdiuchenko, Ukrainian Athletic Coach. “In spite of the war in Ukraine, with the help of our international friends, we continue to prepare our team and still willing to take part in the World Athletics Championships 2022.”

Opened in 1995, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is an official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site and one of the largest training centers focused on helping athletes realize their dreams of success. Ukraine will be joined by Team USA, Brazil, Chile, Estonia, India, Israel, Norway, Portugal, and Singapore in the lead up to the World Athletic Championships. – Details