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