All,
On Sunday, we drove the hour from Odesa to Chornomorsk. As I’ve mentioned, these are 2 of the 3 Black Sea ports remaining under Ukrainian control. So, vital to Ukraine’s success and its future. We have gotten to meet with many of the folks who run them. They appreciate all the work LP has done to support Ukraine. And we appreciate their bravery and strength.
Today, our first event was with our good friends from Allrise Capital. They are the ones who own that magnificent stadium in Odesa and the women’s soccer team, the Seasters. Part of what they are doing is building a series of soccer schools for girls across Ukraine to give them good activities and to also build a feeder program. (The Seasters have gone from #16 to #4 in Ukraine already.) LP is a proud supporter of this program and was graciously invited to attend the school’s grand opening, led by the Mayor of Chornomorsk, Vasyl Huliaiev.
Mikhail and Melissa, our good friends from Allrise
Melissa, from Allrise, with the LP team
The LP team
We got to watch the kids practice and play. It was another sunny day, and another day with no bombs dropping – which makes it a MUCH more enjoyable visit 😉
These girls have some serious skill!
It’s funny that those of you who know me know I usually wear t-shirts, sneakers, and jeans (or Hawaiian shirts 😉), but for this event, and the one in the afternoon, I actually went out and bought a new suit, new tie, new shirt, and new dress shoes. I did it while visiting my daughter in Philly. Went to a men’s shop–said “Dress me nice, please!”, and came back to Erie with a new outfit. Hallie was SO proud of me that I could do that. Said I’m finally growing up 😆.
Gordie and I observing the festivities
Such a cool experience
Anyway, I get to the field, and the Mayor and everyone else is in shorts and t-shirts (of course!). Duh.
The Mayor (dressed appropriately in a black t-shirt. You TRY to do the right thing and dress up. And actually, though I don’t speak a word of Ukrainian, I’m pretty sure the Master of Ceremonies made fun of me for wearing a suit to a soccer field 🤪
And cool that Ole S., one of our guys in the Odesa region, pointed out the 2 schools on either side of the field. Said, “School # 2 over there is a bunch of idiots and slackers. School #3 over there is where I went.” hahahahaha
Ole S (“The Professor”) and the only guy other than me who wore a suit and tie 😅
After this, we are onto our next Chornomorsk event with Mayor Huliaiev. The exchange of keys with their newest sister city, Erie.
More pics from our good friend, Anna at Allrise Capital: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1auyz8hSAorrpRBGRJUUGCxQygGiXAFlm?usp=sharing
Onward!
Sergiy, our good friend and the unsung hero of the Chornomets Stadium.
Can’t wait to go back when the war is over and stadium is full of Seasters fans 🙂