17/08/2024
From the rugbyfield to the battlefield.
These rugby players need our support so they can play the great game again!
Meet Shrink, 34, a former Ukrainian businessman turned army psychologist.
🎤 Why are you on the front line?
While getting a law degree from Kyiv State Academy of Water Transport, I completed the military department program, becoming a reserve officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which back in the day did not entail active duty. As an officer, I took an oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people and when the full-scale invasion started, I felt that it was my duty to defend the state and my fellow citizens.
🎤 So what exactly did you do when it all began?
In the very first days, when my hometown of Irpin, a northwest suburb of Kyiv, was on the brink of occupation, I took my family to a safe place and immediately went to the military commissariat where I was told when and where to report. To be honest, I had to learn how to be a soldier from scratch, but my sports experience helped me a lot.
🎤 What job did you have before the invasion? And now?
I was an entrepreneur and really enjoyed it. As I've mentioned, I’d received a degree in law and had also been trained as a military psychologist, but before joining the Armed Forces, I hadn’t had a chance to make use of either skill. Now, though, I’m engaged in both fields and am currently serving in the engineering troops as a deputy company commander.
🎤 What are your ties to rugby?
I've been playing rugby since the age of 16: my sports career started with Kyiv club ‘Aviator’, but for the last 12 years before the invasion, I'd been playing for ‘Antares’, another Kyiv club. This is where I truly found myself as a rugby player because it's not just a team - it's my family. After the victory, I’d like to rejoin the club and defend our black colors in matches all over Ukraine.
🎤 What knowledge and skills from your ‘old’ life do you find useful now?
First of all, it is being able to take responsibility for myself and others. Also, having self-discipline, because it is the stepping stone to everything else, which is particularly noticeable in the army. You know, getting up at 6 a.m. when you don't want to, going for a run when it's raining outside, doing physical exercises when you're exhausted. It’s not given to all, but luckily I have this foundation.
🎤 What is your life motto?
Treat people the way you want to be treated.
🎤 Do you have a message for civilians?
Your contribution to our collective Victory is crucial. We still have a long way to go, so our army needs your support!
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We are fundraising to get this rugby player’s company a pickup truck, so feel free to donate. Thanks!
www.protectukraine.nl/donate or direct to
