500+ veterans, 8 sports and one goal: the second annual competition “Sport and veterans of war (UBD)” has ended in Kyiv

The second annual competition “Sport and veterans of war (UBD)” has been held in Kyiv — a large-scale initiative that has already become one of the key events in the sports rehabilitation of Ukrainian defenders. It was organised by the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine and the educational and rehabilitation centre of NUFVSU, which work systematically throughout the year to support veterans and develop an inclusive sporting environment. This year's cycle of competitions brought together more than 500 participants who competed in eight disciplines: swimming, billiards, table tennis, wheelchair rugby, arm wrestling, futsal, esports. For many veterans these starts became not merely a chance to compete, but a way to return to an active life, to feel control over body and emotions, to make new friends and to experience again the team spirit so familiar from the front. Sport that restores: a project with real impact. The organisers stress that sporting events of this scale are not only about physical activity. They are about reintegration, social support, overcoming barriers and returning to the usual rhythm of life. The acting rector of NUFVSU, Oleksandr Pyzhov, underlines the importance of a systematic approach and of involvement: “We see how sport helps veterans not only to recover physically, but also to find support in a team, to feel backing and confidence. This project is about unity, strength and the path to new opportunities.” According to specialists, it is sporting events that most effectively help the adaptation of veterans who are returning to civilian life after long service. Here they find themselves among people with similar experience, where they are understood without explanations or conventions. An environment of strength and support. The educational and rehabilitation centre of NUFVSU is actively developing the field of rehabilitation and social adaptation of veterans. In the words of the centre's director, Viktor Korzh, such projects become a point of support for many participants: “Every day we work to ensure that our veterans receive the best opportunities for rehabilitation. These competitions are proof that through joint efforts we are creating an environment where every fighter can feel their own strength and find a new path of development.” Taking part in such events often becomes for veterans a bridge between the past and the future — a moment when they return to activity, feel their strength and gain inspiration to move forward. Voices of the participants: sport that gives new breath. The impressions of the veterans are the best evidence of the project's significance. One of the participants, Danyil Honcharenko, shares his feelings: “I have not felt such drive and support for a long time. Here you understand that you are not alone — beside you are those who have gone through a similar path. Sport restores strength and the desire to move forward.” Similar responses were often heard from participants in different disciplines. For many of them the competition was the first experience of serious sporting activity after returning from the war. Development and the future: the project is scaling up. The organisers state that the cycle of competitions will not only continue but will also expand. The plans include increasing the number of disciplines, involving new cities and regions, and creating additional programmes for comprehensive rehabilitation of veterans through sport. The NUFVSU team emphasises that veterans' rehabilitation is not a one-off event but a long process that requires systematic, professional and humane support. And it is precisely such competitions that prove that sport can be not only recreation or leisure, but a real instrument of returning to life. Special thanks to the partners who joined in organising these competitions: the veterans cluster of Ukraine, the veterans institute “Architecture of Resilience”, the agency of mass sport of Ukraine, the fitness centre “Olimpiiskyi Styl”, Morshynska, the National Opera of Ukraine, AXOR, Mil Taim, the physical culture and sports society Dynamo of Ukraine, Tryzub, Asino Pharm, Kusum Pharm.