Invictus Games 2025
Project goals
To provide Ukrainian veterans who sustained injuries during combat operations with the opportunity to represent Ukraine and its military at international adaptive sports competitions.
Each participant can find a sport that suits them and compete on equal footing with others, since various adaptive sports techniques are tailored to accommodate different types of injuries.
Since 2019, the CBA Initiatives Center has co-organized the national team selection for the Invictus Games. Veteran department specialists assist in the selection and training processes, supporting participants throughout their preparation and during the competitions.
Beyond the sports component, a unique feature of the Invictus Games 2025 is the inclusion of participants’ families. Their presence provides emotional support and fosters recovery, benefiting both veterans and their loved ones. This experience promotes not only physical but also emotional recovery.
Timeline
32 medals
- 12 gold,
- 11 silver,
- 9 bronze
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Етап 1
National team selection. As part of the Support the Unconquered project, the Come Back Alive Foundation, together with the Ciklum company, raised UAH 10,200,800 to support veterans recovery through adaptive sports. These funds were allocated to help the Ukrainian National Team participate in the Invictus Games 2025.
Ukraine
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Етап 2
After the national competition, the final roster of Ukraine’s Invictus Games National Team was announced. The team consists of 35 veterans and active-duty service members of the Defense Forces.
Ukraine
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Етап 3
1st Training Camp. Over 14 days, participants trained in sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, curling, swimming, skeleton, rowing on simulators, and cross-country skiing.
Ukraine
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Етап 4
2nd Training Camp. The team spent 10 days training in team sports, with psychological support provided by qualified specialists.
Ukraine
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Етап 5
3rd Training Camp. A 14-day intensive training covering all sports. Representatives from the Invictus Games Foundation visited the team to interact and share experiences. Friends and family members also attended to better understand athletes’ daily routines.
Ukraine
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Етап 6
4th Training Camp. A 14-day camp focusing on team sports. Throughout all training sessions, the team was supported by a rehabilitator and a massage therapist to aid in recovery.
Ukraine
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Етап 7
Final Training Camp. The last phase of preparation before departure to the Invictus Games.
Vancouver, Canada
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Етап 8
The Ukrainian Invictus Team then competed in the Invictus Games 2025, participating in swimming, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby. This year also marked the introduction of the first-ever winter hybrid adaptive sports program in the history of the Invictus Games, featuring alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, cross-country skiing, skeleton, and wheelchair curling.
Whistler, Canada
Photo report
Invictus
Games
2025
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Invictus
Games
2025
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Ackonwledgments
This project was made possible through the support of the Come Back Alive Foundation in partnership with the IT company Ciklum.
Initiatives like the Invictus Games help veterans realize that even after severe injuries they can lead full, meaningful lives, where physical activity is not just a necessity but a source of strength and joy.
Taras Kovalyk
Head of the Department of Veteran Affairs