Solutions to win: Ukrainian veteran and volunteer row Atlantic to support rehabilitation project
Photo: Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine:
The Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine expedition is dedicated to supporting the "Faces of Heroes" project, which is engaged in the restoration and reconstruction of the faces of Ukrainian defenders with mine and explosive injuries.
The Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine press service reported this.
The initiative's participants, Ivan Havrylko, a veteran of the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion, and Captain Dmytro Rezvoy, a master shipbuilder and ocean rower, have already traversed 2,100 nautical miles. Their journey follows a route from Gran Canaria Island in the Atlantic Ocean to Bridgetown on the island of Barbados. The crossing began on December 21, covering a total distance of 3,000 nautical miles. The participants aim to complete their expedition between February 17 and 22, contingent on weather conditions.
Photo: Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine
Dmytro, the mastermind and organizer behind the Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine expedition, personally constructed the "Sofia" boat used for the ocean crossing.
"This expedition is akin to an oceanic Everest that must be conquered," the participants said.
The expedition's mission is to once again draw the world's attention to the war in Ukraine and remind people of the price Ukrainians are paying for their freedom, independence, and national identity. It aims to showcase Ukrainians' strength of spirit and willpower and raise funds for the treatment and rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
Photo: Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine
The charitable goal of the expedition is to raise 2,500,000 hryvnias to fund facial reconstruction surgeries for 36 Ukrainian defenders who have suffered mine and blast injuries. These operations are part of the "Faces of Heroes" project by the YANKO Charitable Foundation.
Anyone can support the "Faces of Heroes" project by contributing and helping wounded Ukrainian soldiers receive the necessary assistance.
You can donate to the operations using the link.
- Dmytro Rezvoy, from Lviv, has been a stalwart in ocean rowing for over twenty years. He constructs boats designed for rowing across the globe's vast oceans alongside his team. Beyond his maritime ventures, Rezvoy is also known for his dedication to volunteer work.
Dmytro Rezvoy. Photo: Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine
Dmytro is the successor to a dynasty of sailors—his father, Pavlo Rezvoy, crossed the Atlantic and Indian oceans by rowing alone.
- Ivan Havrylko, also from Lviv, is a scout and soldier in the 503rd Separate Battalion of the Marine Corps and goes by the call sign "Geologist." He's been wounded three times but showed remarkable resilience by undergoing complex treatment in France. During his rehabilitation, Ivan discovered a passion for painting, leading to several personal exhibitions across Ukraine. Now, he aims to achieve his long-standing dream of crossing the ocean.
Ivan Havrylko. Photo: Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine
The Invictus Ocean/Row4Ukraine expedition has received widespread support on social networks. Ukrainian stars, volunteers, military personnel, and the international community express their admiration and offer words of support. Among those who have already joined this wave of solidarity are Valerii Zaluzhny, Seriiy Zhadan, Vasyl Virastiuk, Zhan Beleniuk, etc.
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It's worth highlighting that Ukrainian specialists have developed "Limbella," a mobile application designed to support individuals who have lost limbs due to war and help them adapt to their new realities.
A rehabilitation center was also created based on the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. The space is equipped with everything necessary for the diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with severe poly-structural limb injuries.
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