The CBA Initiatives Center co-organized an adaptive sports training session for soldiers undergoing treatment at the Irpin Military Hospital. For the session, the veteran department provided equipment and invited qualified coaches to lead the activities.

The training was held offsite, with participants transported to a sports hall. The hospital collaborates with various NGOs that conduct sessions for wounded servicemen and women, and this time, the CBA Initiatives Center joined as a partner. Soldiers with diverse injuries and medical conditions participated, ensuring that everyone had activities suited to their abilities. The veteran department provided archery equipment, and those ready to try something new could play boccia—a competitive, team-based game.

“Everything needs to be tried; it depends on instruction and other conditions. Some activities work for some, others don’t. We cooperate in various areas, first and foremost so that the guys can relax, because sitting inside four walls is psychologically and physically hard,” says Volodymyr Bratseyko, representative of Irpin Military Hospital.

Participants enjoyed both the training itself and the chance to interact with coaches and fellow servicemen.

“Sport distracts you from everything unnecessary. When you come to the gym, even if you have things to do tomorrow, you set goals and shift focus away from your injury. Staying closed off makes things much harder. Here, I’m always with the young ones—moving forward and straight ahead,” says one participant, a 53-year-old soldier with a leg amputation.

The session was led by coaches from the military community who themselves went through recovery via adaptive sports. The principle of “one veteran helping another” is a key part of veteran sports.

“Without this, it would be very difficult to integrate into the veteran community, whether in a hospital ward or a veteran club,” adds a 38-year-old soldier with a shoulder injury, who also participated in the training.