In Kyiv, the multi-sport HART Games — the largest adaptive sports event for veterans in Ukraine — has officially concluded. Over the course of a week, more than 311 participants from across the country competed in nine disciplines, and the winners earned the opportunity to take part in international qualifying tournaments for veterans in the United States. The winners earned the opportunity to take part in international qualifying tournaments for veterans in the United States.

The event was organized by the CBA Initiatives Center in partnership with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, with support from the general partner UGB Ukrgasbank.

Each participant could choose from a range of team and individual adaptive sports disciplines, such as wheelchair basketball and rugby, sitting volleyball, archery, rowing (erg), laser-run, powerlifting, cycling, and swimming.

For the first time in Ukraine, veterans had the chance to try the laser-run discipline at this event. It combines running with laser pistol shooting. According to the rules, participants complete several running segments with shooting series in between, using laser pistols aimed at electronic targets. The discipline is entirely safe, and because it uses no ammunition, competitions can be held anywhere — in a gym, on a track, or outdoors.

“I had never done laser-run before, only athletics and running. Shooting a laser pistol is familiar to us as service members, though the specifics are very different, of course. Even civilians with no prior training can try it and learn. You run the distance, then you have to calm yourself, stop and focus on accuracy. I enjoyed it — it’s a great thing. Definitely worth practicing; it really helps. It teaches concentration and composure”

— said Oleksandr, one of the participants.

HART became a space for strengthening not only physical endurance but also mental resilience. Participant Maryana shared:

“A week before the competition, I injured my shoulder and then my leg. I lost one of my swimming events and thought I would lose the second one too. But I recovered a little — and everything turned out the way it was meant to. I still won first place in that discipline.”

Team competitions were just as inspiring. Oleksandr, who competed in wheelchair basketball, said:

“HART is the best competition I've ever taken part in." We won first place, even though we were fourth in previous tournaments. Wheelchair basketball is a way of life. It’s incredible emotions and teamwork that uplift and inspire you. As a result, you simply become a happier person.”

The second day of HART was marked by a visit from Julie Davis, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine. She not only observed the competitions but also tried several adaptive sports herself to better understand the physical demands and challenges participants face.

“I’m very glad to be here today. I’ve heard so much about these games. I come from a military family myself, so I know what it means to serve and sacrifice for your country. What veterans are doing today is proof of Ukraine’s unbreakable courage. You inspire us. You drive our work forward!”

— Julie Davis told participants and the organizing team.

Such visits are an honor for both organizers and athletes, serving as a reminder that adaptive sports as a path to recovery are valued not only within our community but far beyond it.

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko attended the final ceremony and said:

“To be frank — I am impressed. Impressed by how incredible our people are, their willpower, and their resilience. Not in words, but in action. Like Ihor Salii, a veteran and active service member, who passionately talks about archery and visits hospitals to inspire fellow soldiers recovering from captivity or injuries. Like Inna Korolenko, who, despite trauma and surgeries, pushes herself and wins medals in laser-run. Like Maksym Danylenko, who, after a severe injury in the Kharkiv sector, chose wheelchair rugby and found a space for brotherhood. And these are just a few of the stories we heard today.”

NATO representatives and diplomats from the United States, Poland, Croatia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Türkiye, and Spain were present.

Every evening, Ukrainian artists performed for the participants — including Mia Ramarie, Kryhitka, Zhadan & Sobaky, Hyphen Dash, Yevhenii Dubovyk Project, Artem Loik, HLIBOROB, and Chystyi Chetver. Their performances helped veterans relax after intense competition days and recharge for the next days.

HART Becomes an Official Qualifying Event for the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps & Air Force Trials

HART is now an official qualifying competition for the 2026 Marine Corps & Air Force Trials in the United States. The winners have been added to a longlist of 45 potential candidates, from which the American side will select 15 athletes to represent Ukraine at the international tournament.

The event united veterans into a supportive community where everyone stands by one another, and adaptive sports serve as a tool for recovery and self-realization.

HART proved that Ukrainian veterans can achieve extraordinary results both at home and internationally. The conclusion of the games marks not an end, but the beginning of a new journey toward greater accomplishments and records.

The HART organizing team extends its special gratitude to the project’s partners: JYSK (adaptive equipment partner), EPAM (wheelchair basketball partner), robota.ua (wheelchair rugby partner), Boeing, Karpat­ska Dzherelna, and Radio Bayraktar (media partner).

With your support, scaling adaptive sports in Ukraine becomes much easier — and far more inspiring.