In 2025, the Invictus Games program will include winter sports for the first time. The Ukrainian team is already preparing for these competitions, where veterans will test themselves in new disciplines from February 8 to 16 in Whistler and Vancouver, Canada.

In addition to traditional adaptive sports, the program now features cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, curling, biathlon, and skeleton.

To be ready for the snow, the team began training in the summer. Snowboards were substituted with wakeboards on water, and skis with adaptive wakeboards. For cross-country skiing, veterans trained on roller skis. This was a real challenge, but it also proved that adaptive winter sports are accessible to everyone, regardless of injuries, wounds, or medical conditions.

Skiing can be done even on one leg—the key is learning to balance. Prosthetics can be easily integrated into ski or snowboard boots, so lower limb amputation is not a barrier. For individuals with arm injuries or amputations, outriggers—special equipment that aids in pushing and maintaining balance—are used. Cross-country and alpine skiing can also be done from a seated position, making them accessible to veterans with back or lower limb injuries. Some disciplines include athletes with visual impairments, guided by a partner to navigate the course. Adaptive curling is also accessible, with veterans competing on the ice using wheelchairs.

In January 2024, the Ukrainian team first hit the snowy slopes. Veterans demonstrated firsthand that, regardless of the severity of injuries or physical limitations, adaptive sports are open to all.

Now, with winter disciplines added to the program, the Ukrainian team is ready to show the world that resilience comes in many forms.