© ROOT-NATION.com - Use of content is permitted with a backlink.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) blocked a charity auction organized by Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynikova, forcing her to cancel the event. This information came to light through her posts on social media.
Read also: AERONAUT – everything that flies above the ground: aviation, UAVs and drones, rockets, and space
Ms. Oliynikova, in collaboration with an online community of Ukrainians in Toronto, intended to raise funds for the “Raid” Unmanned Systems Regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces. As part of the fundraiser, “Player’s Guest” passes were raffled off ahead of the WTA 1000 tournament, which was scheduled to take place in Toronto.
Oliynikova expressed outrage at the organization’s decision, noting that regular guests at WTA tournaments include philanthropists who, for example, distribute vitamins to pregnant women in African countries. At the same time, philanthropists who help save the lives of Ukrainian citizens were deemed undesirable by the WTA. The athlete explained that what was put up for auction was a “Certificate of Honorary Philanthropist,” which in no way guaranteed official accreditation. Despite this, the WTA cited an internal rule prohibiting the “sale of accreditations.”
Oliynikova emphasized that inviting these individuals as personal guests was her own voluntary decision and a way to express gratitude to those who help protect her own life. At the same time, the Ukrainian tennis player pointed out that the WTA 1000 tournament includes athletes who openly demonstrate support for the Russian government and individuals who condone military aggression against Ukraine.
According to Oliinykova, the WTA sees no violations in this and calmly provides such tennis players with a platform for promotion and financial gain. This is happening despite the fact that the actions of these athletes from Russia are aimed at motivating Russians to kill people in Ukraine and pose a direct threat to Oliynikova’s own life.
The tennis player expressed hope that the Ukrainian community in Toronto, together with local sports fans, will immediately and appropriately assess this move by the WTA. Finally, Oliinykova ironically apologized to the WTA for the fact that her personal desire to survive is causing the organization some inconvenience.
Read also: Ukrainian F10 Drones Arrive in United States: Pentagon Receives the First 2,000 UAVs from F-Drones