Defence Forces Games: an adaptive sports competition for veterans
Today, Ukraine has an unprecedented number of veterans. People of all ages and backgrounds have sustained injuries, trauma, or illness as a result of russia’s war against Ukraine. These brave men and women stood on guard for the country, and now we face a challenge of historic proportions — to create a culture of respect, gratitude, and remembrance. To build a new system of reintegration and recovery through sport, a community for those who were not afraid to risk everything for their homeland and their people.
In the spring of 2024, the idea for HART began to grow from small initiatives focused on individual competitors to a national celebration of veterans’ strength and spirit. The goal was to move from a few dozen participants who represent Ukraine at international events every two years to a full-cycle training programme that culminates in national adaptive sports competitions for hundreds of veterans. Therefore, the CBA Initiatives Center and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, with the support of Ukrgasbank create not just an event but an experience, one that gives more veterans the opportunity to rebuild themselves through sport, community, and purpose.
That is how HART was born, the first Ukrainian national multi-sport competition for veterans who were wounded, injured, or became ill during their service
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THE COMPETITIONS TOOK PLACE FROM NOVEMBER 30 TO DECEMBER 5, 2025
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311 PARTICIPANTS COMPETED IN 9 TYPES OF ADAPTIVE SPORTS
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IT’S A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO VETERANS’ REHABILITATION THROUGH MOVEMENT
“Adaptive sports events are a wonderful tool for both physical and mental well-being. Your age, fitness level, or limitations don’t matter. Right now, many veterans need such events. Because when you’re surrounded by people who’ve gone through the same things you have, it feels like you’re transported to another world — one where your problems no longer seem so terrible. Where people who have overcome the worst do things with a smile that not even fully healthy individuals can always manage. And that’s truly inspiring!”
Stanislav Kovalkov
participant of previous adaptive sports competitions organized by the CBA Initiatives Center. Stanislav took part in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair rugby.
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TEAM ADAPTIVE SPORS
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL; WHEELCHAIR RUGBY; SITTING VOLLEYBALL
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INDIVIDUAL ADAPTIVE SPORS
ARCHERY; INDOOR ROWING; LASER-RUN; POWERLIFTING; CYCLING; SWIMMING
