MN Organization Supports Ukrainian Women Amputees Through Inspiring Soccer Program
11 Julio 2024 - 5:30AM
Shepherd's Foundation proudly announces a fundraiser to support
Ukraine's first Women's National Amputee Football team. This vital
initiative is run through “Camp Maximum” in Ukraine. “Camp Maximum”
is located about 2 hours south of Kyiv and offers camping and
retreats for kids, with a focus on kids with special needs. At the
start of the war, “Camp Maximum” was vital in the evacuations and
caring for many Ukrainian refugees. KARE 11 Coverage of Camp
Maximum Evacuation
And now, Camp Maximum has
created a special new program entitled: “Camp Possible” to
encourage and inspire Ukrainian women, both civilian and military,
who have undergone limb amputations.
The need for support is
great in war-weary Ukraine. Official reports from the Department of
Health in Kyiv, says over 100,000 amputations have taken place
since the war began. “Camp Possible” offers a sanctuary from the
trauma of war, providing amputees with a unique opportunity to
connect with others who share similar experiences. Through the
emerging sport of amputee football (played without prosthetics and
on crutches) resilient athletes are empowered to a new challenge.
And now, the “Camp Possible’s” Ukrainian Women’s team is preparing
to compete at the inaugural Amputee Football WAFF Women’s World Cup
as esteemed members of the Ukraine National Women's Team.
The Minnesota based
fundraiser, hosted by Shepherd’s Foundation, a nondenominational
non profit organization who has supported Ukraine for +30 years,
will feature an online campaign and a special golf tournament on
July 29, 2024, at the prestigious Midland Hills Country Club in
Roseville. This event promises to unite Ukraine supporters,
community leaders, and sports enthusiasts in championing the
courage and determination of these incredible athletes.
A unique opportunity
awaits the press to meet two of the team's inspiring players, Tanya
Matyshema and Olya Benda. Matyshema, a lifelong athlete, was unable
to compete in the Paralympics due to the outbreak of war. Matyshema
will share the profound impact “Camp Possible” has had on her life.
Olya Benda, the team captain and former cook during the
Ukraine-Russia war, will share her compelling story of loss and
resilience. Benda, who lost her leg to an explosion, continues to
inspire many as she leads her team while her husband remains
missing at the front lines. Both athletes will be available for
interviews before and during the event.
"We are thrilled to bring
our story and our dreams to Minnesota," said Benda. "This golf
tournament is not just about raising funds, but about connecting
communities, sharing our journey, and building support as we aim
for the World Cup in November.”
The event promises a day
full of fun, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition, with
proceeds directly supporting their team’s World Cup
aspirations.
The Amputee Football WAFF Women’s World Cup will take place in
Barranquilla, Colombia, from November 2nd to 11th, 2024. The
tournament will feature teams from Colombia, Argentina, Brazil,
Cameroon, England, Ghana, Haiti, Liberia, Nigeria, Poland, Ukraine
and USA.
VIDEO:
- To see more of what
Amputee Football Training looks like at Camp Possible 2024:
https://youtu.be/cTDnsTMfisk?si=2Ce8zPcOmFyD5m_P
- The Camp Possible
2023 video features interviews with Tanya Matyshema and Olya Benda:
https://youtu.be/JKLKfnSGVKs?si=a0pIWvBNN9mlnKE9
PHOTO:
Match day 2024: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBqdDgCamp Possible
2024: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBpigw
PRESS:
-
https://hromadske.ua/suspilstvo/224029-u-mene-nemaye-shmatochka-nohy-ale-ia-hraiu-u-futbol-reportaz-pro-zinok-z-amputatsiiamy
- https://uaf.ua/article/51320
- https://uaf.ua/article/49860
-
https://www.facebook.com/100067135673795/posts/pfbid026cFfdWT5swwtmoyvprNEjjWmCFgLqS9nXYKt2LBVyWwKfjuVkoMLgiJpjTaEhgRcl/
-
https://tsn.ua/video/video-novini/futbol-dlya-silnih-duhom-specialna-zbirna-uzhe-gotuyetsya.html
-
https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/sports-society/turning-the-i-cants-into-the-i-cans-mackenzie-gilmore-provides-hope-to-amputees-by-increasing-their-accessibility-to-soccer/
For more information on
the event, visit https://shepherdsfoundation.org/events/. To donate
directly, please visit https://shepherdsfoundation.org/donate/ or
contact 763-227-0286.
About Shepherd's
Foundation: Shepherd's Foundation is dedicated to
supporting initiatives that empower individuals and communities.
Through various programs and events, we strive to make a positive
impact and inspire hope and resilience.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f3b279e8-f895-4ade-a985-3c85a1028812
Media Contact:
Dr. Marshall Wade, Chairman
Shepherd's Foundation
office@shepherdsfoundation.org+1 763-227-0286
https://shepherdsfoundation.org/about/