Rinat Akhmetov has announced the transfer of UAH 10 million (approximately €200,000) to Ukrainian Olympic skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych and his coaching team. The sum is equal to the gold medal prize money that Heraskevych and his team would have received had they won at the Olympic Games.
The announcement follows a meeting between representatives of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and the Ukrainian Olympian. The funds will be transferred to the Heraskevych Charitable Foundation.
The decision reflects SCM founder Rinat Akhmetov's commitment to supporting Ukrainian athletes who defend the country's interests and values on the international stage. Heraskevych's brave position ahead of the Games — standing up for the memory of those who gave their lives defending Ukraine against russia's war — has been widely praised by Ukrainian and international society alike.
"Vladyslav Heraskevych was denied the chance to compete for victory at the Olympic Games, but he returns to Ukraine a true champion. The respect and pride he has earned among Ukrainians through his actions is the highest award of all. I want him to have the energy and resources to continue his sporting career, and his fight for truth, freedom, and the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine."
— Rinat Akhmetov
This support extends beyond one individual. It is recognition of the entire team that works alongside Heraskevych every day to achieve results and represent Ukraine on the world stage. By matching the value of an Olympic gold medal, the gesture sends a clear message: standing up for Ukraine's truth and memory is no less valuable than standing on the podium.
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation continues to be one of the largest sources of private charitable support in Ukraine, having provided extensive humanitarian, medical, and social assistance since the outbreak of russia's full-scale war in February 2022.
