A number of a WSPC dragonboaters have had wonderful times paddling for 5 Star Sharks in Kiev, racing the Ukranian dragon boat clubs, and racing for the GB Grands against the Ukrainian national crew.
An affinity has built up between the paddlers at Wraysbury and in Kiev.
Our thoughts with Andrii in Kiev and his fellow paddlers.
I am deeply saddened to see the suffering being inflicted upon the people of Ukraine.
Like many Wraysbury Dragons paddlers, I have very fond memories of racing in Kyiv. We were shown round this beautiful city after the racing by Andrii who proudly told us about the history of Ukraine. My crews were afforded wonderful hospitality each time we raced in Kyiv by Andrii and his fellow team mates at Mala Flotyliya. Lovely people on and off the water.
Stay strong Ukraine
Please send my best regards to Andrii and let him know that we are thinking of him and his team during these sad times. We hope they are kept safe and that there’s a speedy resolution to this crazy war.
We support Ukraine 100%
I echo your words and remember with fondness the welcome the Ukrainians gave us when we competed with them and their generosity towards us. Especially him personally giving up his Sunday to show us around his beautiful Kyiv.
The trips to Kyiv are some of my favourite paddling experiences. The epic walk Andrii took us on was the stuff of legends. I’m proud to be able to say I stuck it out to the end.
It is such a wonderful city. It’s hard enough to believe what is happening Seeing the images and recognising the places makes it even more real and devastating.
Please pass my love and support onto Andrii. I am thinking of him and the whole Ukrainian nation and hoping it will come to a swift and safe conclusion