Andriy Maksymovych

In 2006, after studying on a scholarship as an exchange student in the United States, Andriy initiated, organised and ran Race for Children, a charitable marathon aimed at raising money for maternity hospitals in Ukraine. This was the first project of such kind in Ukraine; the race took 41 days to complete, covered ca. 1500km, and raised ca. USD 55,000. Money was used to purchase critically needed equipment for newborns, and it now helps saving lives of those children that were born prematurely. The donations came from individuals, local and international companies. To achieve their fundraising goal, the team of 50 volunteers have worked for ca. 2.5 years (span pre- and post-race). Andriy now works in the UK in the field of international development. His participation as a torch bearer would be a true celebration of diversity and cross-cultural unity that the Olympics bring.