Ashcroft’s boost for Kyiv athletes

A VETERANS charity has received a generous donation from Lord Ashcroft that let Ukrainian athletes train in Britain ahead of this year’s Warrior Games.

The contribution to Bravo Victor has helped the 70 competitors with training, equipment and accommodation at the Blind Veterans UK facility in Brighton.

The team arrived in Britain four weeks ago on a flight from Poland funded by donations, and is made up of serving and former members of Ukraine’s armed forces.

The Warrior Games is a multisport event for wounded, injured or ill service personnel and veterans organised by the US Department of Defense.

Bravo Victor’s chief scientific officer, Professor Renata

Gomes, who led the initiative to support the athletes, said: ‘There have been great acts of generosity from an array of supporters, and we are immensely grateful for the significant contribution from Lord Ashcroft.’

It is the first time Ukraine has taken part in the games. Major Yerhen Zhar, of the National Guard of Ukraine, said: ‘We can show the world Ukraine is unstoppable and unbreakable.’

The games go on until next Sunday at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.