Three kitesurfers unite to show that very often sport is above politics in terms of its power to encourage change:
“We wanted to say, look what we are doing, we are people from different countries which are now not in good relationships, but we are friends and we do good, interesting and beautiful things. Well, that is the message we wanted to send.”
Despite the troubles between Russia and Ukraine, kitesurfers Maxim (Russia), Stanislav Kulikov (Ukraine) and Juuso Tilaeus (Finland) came together to set a new world kitesurfing crossing record – completing 279.46 kilometres between Helsinki and St. Petersburg – showing how sport can act as a really positive force in the world in helping to see beyond broader political international issues.
Sir Richard Branson knows these guys personally, and crossed the English Channel with Maxim. Sir Richard wrote this brilliant blog piece on the group and their accomplishment. He also uses his blog to shine a light on the Kite The Reef project – another kitesurfing mission close to his heart – that this time is all about fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease.
