Makes and Misses

MAKES & MISSES

Mostly we just coach pole vault, but sometimes we are able to assist on a larger scale.

On April 16, our club, Pole Vault Carolina, hosted The Pole Vault for Ukraine Invitational. We asked each of our athletes to support the critical need for refugee children of Ukraine, who had walked out of their homes with few personal possessions to escape war.

Ukraine has a rich history in the pole vault. Sergey Bubka is from the city of Luhansk and was the first pole vaulter to clear 6.0 meters and also 6.10 meters. Sergey broke the world record 35 times and inspired pole vaulters all over the world to seek higher heights. The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and track and field equipment company, USC Spirit forged a path to refugee camps, which is where our aid has been sent.

Pole Vault Carolina athletes asked for donations from their neighbors, churches, and schools so a child or teenager like themselves in Ukraine, whom they will never meet, will have something clean to wear, or a frisbee to throw while they hope for a brighter tomorrow.

UCS Spirit filmed a video message from Steve Chappell, produced by Debbie Chappell, that we played. Ukrainian Olympian Yana Hladi-

By Adele San Miguel

ychuk wrote a letter that connected our little effort in Durham, North Carolina to the devastating events still unfolding in Ukraine.

Our families hauled in bags and boxes of blankets, clothes for children, teens, adults, and small sports equipment. They handed us checks and donated through Venmo.

After willing the rain away, 27 athletes and their families crowded our outdoor facility - an area we refer to as The Backyard. A DJ (our fifteenyear-old son, Antonio) blasted music and took song requests. Parents danced on the sidelines, personal records were achieved, and a community strengthened through service.

With the money raised we purchased new shoes, under clothing, first aid and feminine hygiene products. Our vaulters learned that kindness makes a difference and we are stronger when we work together. We sent a pallet with an estimated 1,000 items on it.

Pole vault is bigger than all of us. We are an ecosystem of vaulters, coaches, parents and grandparents, from the beginners to the pros. Our purpose is each other - and this is higher than the bar. Ukraine, we see you demonstrating your personal greatness, and we root for your peace.

Photo provided by Lacey Hight

Photo provided by Yana Hladiychuk

Letter from Yana Hladiychuk