The team of the We Compete As One foundation, which provides comprehensive support to athletes suspended from competition for non-sporting reasons, took part in a corporate dragon boat race. The competition was organised as part of the International Cup of the Ageev Brothers and the Olympic champions Yury Postrigay and Alexander Dyachenko (AAACUP). The Cup was held on August 25-28 at the Krylatskoye Rowing Canal in Moscow.
“A bright sports event was held at the Rowing Canal – the Cup of the Ageev Brothers and the Olympic champions Yury Postrigay and Alexander Dyachenko. The 11-strong WCAO team competed in dragon boat races. I am glad to see that the Foundation is working smoothly and efficiently not only in their routine activities, but also during weekend sports events! We have indeed become a real team. Thanks to the organisers of AAACUP for this sports festival and for their invitation,” said Nikita Mazepin, the founder of We Compete As One.
The crew of the dragon boat included ten members of the Foundation, while one seat was played among WCAO subscribers on social media. The team included Ekaterina Bobrova, a member of the Foundation’s Council of Champions, the Sochi 2014 Olympic champion and the Pyeongchang 2018 silver medallist in figure skating.
“I am truly overwhelmed with emotions. I took part in several races, and was very happy to join the crew of WCAO’s dragon boat. I strongly support what the Foundation does. It was a great joy for me to be a part of a friendly and very efficient team, and it was clearly seen during the race! They know exactly what sport and team spirit are.
On the final day of the Cup, an incredible number of Olympic champions from various athletic disciplines gathered at the Rowing Canal: rhythmic and artistic gymnasts, figure skaters, skiers, divers, etc. The atmosphere was amicable and positive. All the participants were very supportive of each other,” said Ekaterina Bobrova.
“I hope that the event helped its participants to strengthen their spirits and attain optimism and confidence. And for those athletes who currently do not have an opportunity to participate in international competitions, I urge them to apply to the Foundation, which strives to help as many athletes as possible in this difficult period for them,” she added.
We Compete As One advocates the principles of equal opportunity and fair competition for all athletes regardless of their nationality. The priority of the Foundation is to help athletes cope with suspension effects and find themselves beyond professional sport.