Kyiv hosted the National Wheelchair Rugby Competition for Veterans and Servicewomen, “HART.” The CBA Initiatives Center, together with the Ministry for Veterans Affairs, organized the event. Prior to the competition, participants had the opportunity to attend a week-long sports camp, where rehabilitation specialists and coaches worked with them. Some participants learned the basics of wheelchair rugby during the camp. The main competition took place on August 30–31 in Kyiv.

A total of 57 veterans, who had lost limbs or sustained other service-related injuries, took part. The event welcomed both experienced adaptive sports athletes and newcomers, with coaches providing guidance to help everyone master the game.

“Wheelchair rugby is about drive, strength of character, and an indomitable team spirit. But what is even more remarkable is that this sport in Ukraine is being developed by the veterans themselves. This is the true value: the sport becomes a space of mutual support, trust, and teamwork, where everyone feels part of a collective victory.

The first competitions of this kind are landmark events: they demonstrate that sports for war veterans are not only about recovery and returning to active life but also about creating new traditions. For the state, this sets an example of cultivating a culture of strength, gratitude, and resilience,” said Nataliya Kalmykova, Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.

Partners of the competition included ARX, Aurora, and Ciklum, whose support helped bring the team’s ideas to life. Visitors could also participate in combat medical training at the “Solomyanski Kotyky” location, try adaptive CrossFit with Jungle Gym, practice archery, learn to pilot FPV drones, and enjoy performances by Sashko Polozhynskyi, Khrystyna Soloviy, and the band Antytila. The event was held at the Veneto-Sport Complex, featuring spacious halls and various activity zones.

“Ukraine has become a country with the largest number of active service members and veterans since World War II. We must build our own programs and competitions that will attract teams from other countries. Together with the Ministry for Veterans, we are developing ‘HART’ — a brand promoting adaptive sports. At the next ‘HART’ in early December, we will come together again — our team is already working on a multidisciplinary competition that will bring together even more veterans, servicewomen, and their families,” said Ihor Krytsak, Senior Specialist of the Veterans Department at the CBA Initiatives Center.

The December competitions will feature ten sports disciplines simultaneously and take place from December 1–7. Details regarding participation and registration will be announced soon.