HOPE worldwide began operations in Ukraine in 1998.

(Registration № 0108-98 at the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine).

Through HOPE worldwide - THE GREAT ADRIADIC SWIM CHALLENGE 2008 will serve as a charitable fund rising event to benefit children from Akhmadyet Children’s Cancer Hospital & their families.

This is the first annual Great Adriatic Swim Challenge charity event. Money raised with participants’ entrance fee and other donations will be used for helping children suffering from cancer and their families.

We are currently involved with 3 of the major cancer hospitals for children in Kiev, the main one being Ahmadyet. There are numerous children from all reaches of Ukraine who travel to the capital for treatment. Treatment is lengthy and although the treatment is supposed to be free daily treatment for the children can cost between $50 and &100 per day.

Most families have to sell their possessions and in some cases there homes to try and meet these costs. (a good average salary in Kiev is about $400)

So we have dire need for financial assistance to keep these children alive and to support the families.

A NOTE TO OUR PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS & DONORS

The Great Adriatic Swim Challenge is committed to ensuring that the maximum percentage of money donated to the Event is returned to non-profit program. However, we cannot guarantee what that amount will be; it depends on many variables, including the number of participants, how much money is donated, and several event expenses.

In addition to raising money, The Great Adriatic Swim Challenge aims to raise public awareness about children afflicted with cancer in Eastern Europe and instills lasting feelings of accomplishment among participants and the lives of those who benefit from the Swim. It is our goal to make the Swim a life-changing experience for everyone involved.

The Great Adriatic Swim Challenge has many non-financial benefits:

-News stories about the Swim will raise regional awareness

-First-hand experience of giving back to humanity for participants, volunteers and spectators alike

-An opportunity for people to work together to change lives

With your help these are just some of the things that make The Great Adriatic Swim Challenge so remarkable.