In a remarkable act of solidarity, Dutch rowing clubs have come together to support the Rowing Club Chornomorets in Odesa, Ukraine, after its boathouse and boats were destroyed in a missile attack last year. The club lost everything in the tragic incident. Yet, in the face of this devastation, the rowing community proved that the spirit of the sport transcends borders.
Initiative was taken by Royal Maas from Rotterdam and RV Viking from Utrecht. Supported by NRroeie-Founder Sybrand Treffers, Dutch rowing clubs initiated a movement to replace the lost equipment. Rowing Club Viking from Utrecht and Rowing Club De Maas from Rotterdam, under the 'BotenVoorOdesa.nl' initiative, spearheaded efforts to gather boats and deliver them to their Ukrainian counterparts. After months of coordination, this week marked the successful transportation of these boats from Amsterdam to Odesa.
Treffers, along with his fellow volunteer Kay de Vries, undertook the challenging journey to Ukraine. Navigating the war-torn roads and navigating Ukrainian checkpoints, they experienced firsthand the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Despite the daily realities of air raid sirens and active military zones, the warmth and cooperation they encountered from local drivers, military personnel, and the rowers in Odesa surpassed all expectations.
The trip culminated in an emotional moment when Treffers and the local rowers took to the waters of Odesa, rowing in the Henk-Jan Zwolle boat, a Filippi 8 donated by Okeanos. The sight of this crew on the waters of the Black Sea stood as a testament to the unwavering spirit of Ukraine, and the global rowing family that rallied behind them.
“We are so grateful for all the support,” said Treffers. “Together we stand for Ukraine, for freedom, and for victory.”
Special thanks go to Stichting De Leeuw Kyiv, whose expertise and connections helped ensure that the proper permits were in place for the shipment. The road to Odesa may have been difficult, but thanks to the incredible teamwork of everyone involved, the boats arrived safely.
For many in Ukraine, rowing offers not just a form of physical activity but a beacon of hope for a future where peace and freedom prevail.
More informations www.botenvoorodesa.nl
Photo Credit: Sybrand Treffers