The team from the CBA Initiatives Center regularly organizes free adaptive sports sessions for veterans in hospitals and rehabilitation centers as part of the “Our Here” project. Recently, such a session took place at a State Border Guard Service medical facility, in collaboration with the DPSU Social Support Department and the hospital’s rehabilitation unit. During the session, patients practiced Olympic archery and played boccia. The activities were led by CBA Initiatives Center specialists Vyacheslav Sabelnikov and Andriy “Morzh” Tkachuk, with archery instructors Volodymyr Tovkys and Kostyantyn Pugach.

The goal of these sessions is to accelerate veterans’ recovery and support their return to a higher quality of life. Physical activity benefits not only the veterans’ physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being. Both doctors and patients note that such activity noticeably improves mood, increases motivation to recover, and strengthens confidence in oneself and one’s body. Moreover, adaptive sports are an effective method for combating depressive states and other conditions that often arise after serving in combat zones.

“Today, they are not confined to their usual hospital rooms—they are outdoors, interacting with each other and competing to see who plays boccia best or hits the target with an arrow. We are committed to helping our guys return to normal life as quickly as possible, in part through such training sessions,” says hospital physical therapist Oleksandra Predachenko.

“Through sessions like these in hospitals, we aim to enhance the work of physical therapists. This helps patients recover faster and in a more lively and engaging atmosphere,” adds Vyacheslav Sabelnikov, specialist in the veterans’ department of the CBA Initiatives Center.

Kostyantyn Pugach, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and an archery instructor, shared that archery became a real lifesaver for him after being injured. When other sports proved too difficult, he picked up a bow and arrows. “Today, the goal isn’t to hit the target perfectly. What matters is that the person experiences joy from the shot, feels the arrow, and understands the stance of an archer. This is fundamentally different from using firearms. For me, the bow became a crucial part of my rehabilitation,” he said.

The positive effects of adaptive sports are also supported by research conducted by analysts at the CBA Initiatives Center. They report significant improvements in physical condition and mental health, a restored belief in one’s abilities, and increased social engagement, with veterans making new friends and reconnecting with the community. More details can be found in the study “The Joy of Movement: How Adaptive Sports Help Veterans Recover.”