The National Olympic Committee, Ukraine’s IOC representative, is the latest sporting body to contribute to the country’s defense in some form. On June 22, during the Lutsk Ten racewalking competition, the NOC partnered with its regional branch in Volyn Oblast and Confectionery Yarych to purchase a Mercedes-Benz 906 OK50 ambulance.

The vehicle was presented to Volodymyr Oliynyk, the commander of a National Guard of Ukraine unit stationed in Volyn. Vadym Gutzeit, the president of the NOC, handed over the keys over allongside Volyn Oblast Council member Hryhorii Nedopad and Yarych CEO Tetyana Sherlomovych. Yarych produces biscuits, crackers, and cakes.

“Our help is not just a gesture of solidarity. It is our duty,” said Gutzeit. “The Olympic community of Ukraine, wherever it is, is always ready to support our soldiers and help those who defend the independence of Ukraine.”

The 906 is part of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter line of vans. The ambulance version in particular typically features a 131-horsepower engine, an automatic gearbox, and of course a boxy body to carry a stretcher and other rescue equipment.

Although Volyn is one of the westernmost provinces of Ukraine, the donated ambulance will go to the frontlines. There, it’ll be used to medevac wounded troops and “ensure operational logistics for units.”

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, many Ukrainian sports federations have worked to donate supplies or collaborated with the Armed Forces of Ukraine while still continuing their usual operations. The Automobile Federation of Ukraine, for example, trains soldiers in off-road emergency driving and partnered with groups like Driving Ukraine to buy vehicles for troops. Ukraine’s basketball authority, which is part of the NOC’s umbrella, has done fundraisers for things like drone jammers.

Featured image credit: National Olympic Committee of Ukraine