SHREVEPORT, La. --聽She once captured Olympic gold on the world stage. Now, figure skater Oksana Baiul is turning her passion into purpose, raising awareness and funds for flood victims in Texas.
Baiul, who won gold at the 1994 Winter Olympics, now lives in Shreveport. She says the heartbreaking loss being felt in Texas hits close to home; she lost her own mother at the age of 13.
During the summer months, Baiul often roller skates in Shreveport性视界传媒檚 public parks. But just a few months ago, over the holiday season, she was regularly skating on ice at a rink in Marshall, Texas. It was there she wore a striking Ukrainian performance costume, which she性视界传媒檚 now auctioning off to raise money for flood relief efforts.
性视界传媒淚 had no clue what to do. What? How can I help?性视界传媒 Baiul recalled.
The costume holds deep meaning for her.
性视界传媒淚t性视界传媒檚 my heart, you know. It性视界传媒檚 a piece of my soul in that dress because it性视界传媒檚 a color 性视界传媒 so the Ukrainian flag. And we were speaking back then about what was happening in the country where I come from,性视界传媒 she said. 性视界传媒淲hen something major happens in the world, the first thought of a normal human being is, how can they help?性视界传媒
Baiul hopes her effort will not only provide aid but also inspire unity and compassion across communities in times of tragedy.
If you're interested in bidding on or seeing the skater's auction to help Kerr County, Texas, here's a link:聽. Find other ways to help on under the special section, 性视界传媒溞允咏绱綕
