Ukraine War: CrossFit community raises money for charity amid Russian invasion, as Kyiv gym is offered as missile defence shelters
- Hong Kong CrossFitter Nicholas Worley starts global challenge to do a burpee per dollar raised for Medecins Sans Frontieres
- Ukraine’s largest CrossFit gym is being used for humanitarian care and offered as a missile defence centre
The CrossFit community is raising money for charities working in the war in Ukraine. Around the world, CrossFitters will be doing one burpee per US dollar raised for Medecins Sans Frontieres.
Tatiana Grashchenko, owner of CrossFit Banda, the biggest CrossFit gym in Ukraine, has appealed for as many donations as possible.
“Right now unfortunately my country is facing a terrible time,” Grashchenko said. “Ukraine is under Russian military attacks. So during this war some of my clubs are being used as accommodation for humanitarian assistance for the Ukrainian army and civilians. And I also offered some of my boxes to become missile defence shelters.”
The “Burpees for Ukraine” challenge is taking place on April 16. The CrossFitters are in teams of two and the winners of the challenge are the pair that collectively finish the most burpees.
“Most people in cities and villages have been living underground in garages and basements for the last two weeks and they are running out of food, water, clothes and medicine,” Grashchenko said.
She added that her 70 staff have lost their jobs and Ukrainian men have taken up the defence of Ukraine, so they have no income.
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“In this hard unexpected time I’m asking you for humanitarian and financial help,” she said.
“Any help will be highly appreciated and will save many lives. I believe in the power of worldwide CrossFit community and I hope many of you will respond to my request. Together we are stronger.”
The “Burpees For Ukraine” challenge is the brainchild of Hong Kong-based CrossFitter Nicholas Worley. There are prizes for the teams that finish with the most burpees, but Worley emphasised that the main objective is raising funds and awareness, and showing support for those in Ukraine.
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One of the CrossFitters is Chris Lee, a Hong Kong-based Brit who is a member of Asphodel, in Kennedy Town.
“It’s appalling to see what is happening in Europe at the minute but, as is often the case, you feel a bit far removed to make any difference,” Lee said.
“When Nick suggested he was putting this together, I jumped at the chance. With all the gyms shut (inexplicably) and competitions on hold for now, it’s nice to have a physical challenge to train for again.”
“I think with anything like this, you have to maintain some perspective, however much [the burpees] hurt, it doesn’t compare to what some are going through, so block it out and keep going,” Lee said.
Lenka Kruse, a Crossfitter in Czech Republic who used to live in Hong Kong, is also taking part in “Burpees for Ukraine”.
She is livid watching the war unfold.
“I have all kinds of feelings. The range is huge: horrified, sad, anxious and depressed, but mostly angry. I am angry that history is on repeat,” she said.
“My major motivation [to join “Burpees for Ukraine”] was the need to help,” Kruse said. “I think many of us ordinary people can feel powerless in the context of what’s happening around the world and so, for myself I try to be present and ready to help wherever my strengths will allow me to.”
Alejandra Greenwood, a member of CrossFit Tooting in the UK, is also taking part.
“[I feel] devastated, helpless, incredibly fortunate. As a mother of two young children, the images of children and families being separated are most upsetting. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through,” said Greenwood, who used to live in Hong Kong.
“When I think about what the people of Ukraine have been through and are still going through, everything else fades in comparison. A little bit of pain doing however many burpees I end up having to do seems so insignificant,” she said.
The “Burpees for Ukraine” participants said the willingness of CrossFitters to throw themselves into the challenge is indicative of the strong community spirit present in the sport.
“Go to any CrossFit box anywhere in the world and you’ll be made to feel at home, with no judgment, no matter your skill level,” Greenwood added. “People are welcoming and inclusive, and always willing to support great causes such as this one.”
