Home > News

‘A Cruel War’: Adam Ondra to Auction Signed Climbing Holds to Aid Ukraine

adam ondra holds auctionOndra and his eight signed climbing holds, on auction for Ukraine starting Monday; (photo/Adam Ondra)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Want to help Ukraine relief efforts — and get some one-of-a-kind climbing holds made by Adam Ondra? The auction kicks off on Oct. 17.

One of the world’s best-known rock climbers just started a new project: helping Ukraine. Next Monday, Adam Ondra will auction off eight climbing holds through an online platform. Ondra made the holds himself, climbed on them, and signed them.

All proceeds from the auction go to Memory of Nations, a fundraiser for sending equipment that “saves lives and increases safety of Ukraine’s defenders.”

Russia invaded Ukraine in February of this year, initiating a protracted war that has only intensified. Thus far, nearly 30,000 people have died, with 14 million more displaced, according to Reuters.

“From time to time, there comes a moment when people need to be united for a higher purpose,” Ondra said in a short video posted to his YouTube channel this week.

“That’s why I put my hands to work, cast, and signed eight climbing holds during my first visit to the Euroholds headquarters. I hope you will enjoy them! It will support the people of Ukraine, who are suffering from a cruel war.”

Czech Republic Continues to Aid Ukraine

While Ondra’s native Czech Republic doesn’t share a border with Ukraine, both countries have a long and complicated history with Russia. Both nations were part of the Soviet Union until it dissolved in 1991.

Like many other NATO countries, the Czech Republic has sent supplies and weapons to aid Ukraine. To date, Czech leaders have delivered €45 million in arms to the embattled country — despite Russian protests.

The Memory of Nations fundraiser chosen by Ondra has already raised nearly €14 million. To help them, the eight holds made by Ondra include:

  • Small Yellow PU Hold “Kyiv” – Top Hold
  • Big Yellow PU hold “Kharkiv” – Hold 4
  • Small Yellow PU hold “Bucha” – Hold 3
  • Small Yellow PU hold “Luhansk” – Hold 2
  • Big Yellow PU hold “Mariupol” – Start Hold
  • Small Yellow PU hold “Kherson” – Hold 1
  • Small Yellow PU hold “Sevastopol” – Foot Hold Left
  • Small Yellow PU hold “Donetsk” – Foot Hold Right

Are you interested in the auction? Start placing your limits now, or wait until the live online auction begins Monday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. CEST.

Lachlan Morton cycling in hot pink jersey, helmet with lots of gear strapped to his road bike

Lachlan Morton Riding to Ukraine Border for War Relief: Donate Now

'Conflicts are a bike ride away, all over the world.' — Lachlan Morton. Read more…

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!