On May 10–11, 2025, Kyiv hosted the first Nationwide Wheelchair Basketball Championships for veterans and active service members. The event brought together 66 participants and hundreds of spectators. It was organized by the CBA Initiatives Center team in collaboration with the Ministry for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, with support from EPAM Ukraine.

The competition featured eight teams, composed of 66 participants from across Ukraine. Twenty-five of them tried wheelchair basketball for the first time just five days before the event during a free sports camp organized by the CBA Initiatives Center team and coaching staff. The remaining players had prior experience. To ensure fair play, participants were distributed across teams based on their skill levels.

On the first day, May 10, teams played qualifying matches, followed by playoffs and finals on May 11. The final standings were:

• 1st place — “Bratany”
• 2nd place — “Titans”
• 3rd place — “MayDay”

For spectators, the event featured a large recreation zone with VR and PlayStation stations, a children’s area with workshops and board games, and a recovery zone. Visitors also had the opportunity to try various adaptive sports, including archery, rowing, table tennis, and more. The atmosphere was enhanced by performances from the band “Kryhitka,” Artem Loik, dance routines, and dunk shows.

Replays of all matches are available on the official Povernys Zhyvym channel and Megogo Sport.

Taras Kovalik, Head of the Veterans Department at the CBA Initiatives Center, commented: "We develop adaptive sports because we are certain it is one of the most effective tools for rapid and quality recovery of veterans and service members. Above all, it helps our defenders regain a sense of physical and psychological capability after visible or invisible injuries, wounds, or illnesses, enabling them to become proactive in the rear or return to service. Wheelchair basketball is a perfect example of effective teamwork, where the energy of movement and life is felt on the court. This sport demonstrates that regardless of injuries or illnesses sustained during service, participants can continue to fight, enjoy life, compete, and feel no limitations while doing so."

The CBA Initiatives Center is already preparing the next event — sitting volleyball competitions. Dates will be announced soon. Registration for the sports camp and competitions is now open — everyone is invited to join!