The Ukrainian wheelchair basketball team, Titans, competed for the first time at the international Hope Wins tournament, held in Poland and the Netherlands. For the veterans, it was an opportunity to test themselves against professional Paralympic teams and achieve remarkable results — winning silver and finishing fifth.

For the Titans, this tournament was a milestone. While in Ukraine the team mostly played against other veterans, at the Hope Wins events in Poland and the Netherlands, their opponents were professional wheelchair basketball players. This presented a new level of challenge and a valuable chance to gauge their own skills.

"Hope Wins was our first international tournament competing against professional athletes. Our opponents train consistently and have established preparation systems, while adaptive sports in Ukraine are still developing. Yet, this did not stop our team from achieving a very respectable result," said team member Mykhailo Damaskin.

In Poland, the Ukrainian team won silver, and in the Netherlands, they finished in fifth place. The match against the U23 junior Paralympic national team was especially emotional.

"Despite our opponents’ advantage, the Ukrainian team fought hard, sought solutions, and celebrated every point. The support from Ukrainians, especially the children who came to watch, played a huge role," recalls Mykhailo.

The tournament’s energy, new experiences, and team cohesion became an important resource for the veterans — both on the court and personally.

"The team’s impressions are the best. Even exhausting transfers from city to city didn’t stop us from enjoying the game and keeping our spirits high. We are grateful to all the partners who helped us attend the tournament, gain new knowledge, and share this experience together. It’s incredibly important for the guys who are undergoing rehabilitation," adds Damaskin.

The Titans roster includes veterans who previously participated in the national wheelchair basketball competitions organized by CBA Initiatives Center, as well as those rehabilitating at the TYTANOVI rehabilitation center.

For the players, this journey was not only a test of strength but also a source of new motivation.

"Now, after returning, the main goal is to continue developing, share our experience in Ukraine, and motivate others. And next time, let’s make it an even greater journey," concludes the veteran.

The Hope Wins tournament was supported by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Fundacja For Heroes Kraków, EPAM Ukraine, TYTANOVI Rehabilitation Center for Veterans, CBA Initiatives Center, For Heroes Foundation, and held under the patronage of the Ministry for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.