From Injury to Victory: Is Ukraine Ready for Systematic Veteran Rehabilitation Through Sports
On April 16, 2026, an open expert meeting was held at the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine
“From Injury to Victory: Is Ukraine Ready for a New Rehabilitation System?”, which served not only as a discussion platform but also as an attempt to form a shared vision of the future model of adaptive sports and rehabilitation in Ukraine.
The event brought together representatives of government institutions, relevant ministries, the scientific and educational community, the National Olympic University, civil society organizations, the sports community, rehabilitation centers, and the veterans themselves—those for whom this system is intended to work first and foremost.
Full-scale war has radically changed the social structure of Ukrainian society. Thousands of soldiers are returning to civilian life with injuries—both physical and psychological. In this context, rehabilitation ceases to be a narrowly defined medical issue and becomes a matter of national resilience.
Adaptive sports play a much broader role in this process than mere physical activity. It is a tool for physical recovery, psycho-emotional stabilization, social integration, and the formation of a new identity after trauma.
However, the main challenge, which was repeatedly raised during the meeting, is the lack of a systematic approach.
Opening the event, Viktor Korzh, director of the NUPSU Training and Rehabilitation Center, immediately identified the key problem: there are already many initiatives in Ukraine, but they remain fragmented.
“Physical education and sports rehabilitation, as well as adaptive sports, are an extremely important social component that should serve the recovery and social integration of our wounded veterans.
This requires an individualized approach, professional medical supervision, and consideration of each person’s health condition.
Only then will these tools truly be beneficial and not cause harm.
“Sports and physical rehabilitation are powerful tools that must be based on deep knowledge and responsibility, and only then will they truly be beneficial and not cause harm.”
His statement set the tone for the entire discussion: the focus is not on creating new separate projects, but on building a comprehensive ecosystem.
Special attention was paid to the role of education in shaping this system.
Olga Borisova, Acting Rector of the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine, emphasized the strategic importance of training specialists.
“Today, universities must go beyond traditional education and become centers for shaping a new rehabilitation system.
We are talking about training specialists who will work at the intersection of sports, medicine, and psychology.
It is precisely such professionals who will ensure the quality and safety of the veterans’ recovery process.”
This approach underscores that the challenge of adaptive sports is not merely organizational but also a staffing issue. Without systematic training of specialists, even the best programs cannot function effectively.
A key focus of the discussion was an analysis of the experiences of the United States and Israel—countries with long-standing experience working with veterans.
Artem Goncharenko, head of the “Architecture of Resilience” Institute for Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Professional Development at KNUBA, emphasized that the key difference between these systems is their integration.
“In the U.S. and Israel, adaptive sports do not exist in isolation—they are integrated into state rehabilitation policy.
This is part of a continuous process: from the hospital to a full return to society.
It is important for Ukraine not simply to adopt this experience, but to properly integrate it into its own system.”
In fact, this involves a shift from “post-injury assistance” to a model of “supporting the individual at every stage of recovery.”
One of the most powerful moments of the meeting was the speech by veteran Vadym Honcharenko, who shared his own experience of participating in international competitions.
“Adaptive sports are not just about physical recovery.
It’s about regaining self-confidence, about the opportunity to feel in control of your life again.
It was through sports that I was able to find new motivation and return to an active life.”
His words effectively confirmed what the experts had been saying: the effectiveness of the system is measured not by the number of programs, but by the changes in the lives of specific people.
Also among the meeting participants were: the head of the Sports Committee of Ukraine, Illia Shevlyak; the head of the Department of Physical and Mental Health at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Vyacheslav Chernenko; and other guests who actively participated in the discussion.
One of the main conclusions of the meeting was the need for genuine cooperation between the state, educational institutions, the business sector, and civil society organizations. Without such collaboration, the adaptive sports system will remain fragmented and unable to ensure long-term impact.
The meeting at the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine demonstrated that an understanding of the problem has already been established in Ukraine and that all key players are in place to address it. However, the next step is to consolidate efforts to ensure veterans’ full return to a meaningful life.
Adaptive sports today is not just about physical activity. It is about a new social policy, about bringing people back to life, about the state’s ability to respond to the challenges of war.
And the main question that remained after the event:
Will Ukraine be able to unite all these efforts into a single system that works not on a case-by-case basis, but for every veteran?
The answer to this question depends not on words, but on the decisions that will be made in the near future.
The second annual “Sports and War Veterans (UBD)” competition took place in Kyiv — a large-scale initiative that has already become one of the key events in the field of sports rehabilitation for Ukrainian defenders. The organizers were the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine and the Training and Rehabilitation Center of the NUPESU, which have been working systematically throughout the year to support veterans and develop an inclusive sports environment.
This year’s series of competitions brought together more than 500 participants who competed in eight disciplines:
swimming, billiards, table tennis, wheelchair rugby, arm wrestling, futsal, and e-sports.
For many veterans, these competitions were not just an opportunity to compete, but a way to return to an active life, feel control over their bodies and emotions, find new friends, and relive the team spirit so familiar from the front lines.
Sport that restores: a project with real impact
The organizers emphasize that sporting events of this scale are not just about physical activity. They are about reintegration, social support, overcoming barriers, and returning to a normal rhythm of life.
Acting Rector of the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine Oleksandr Pyzhov emphasizes the importance of consistency and involvement:
“We see how sport helps veterans not only to recover physically, but also to find support in the team, to feel support and confidence. This project is about unity, strength, and the path to new opportunities.”
According to experts, sporting events are the most effective way to help veterans adapt to civilian life after long periods of service. Here, they find themselves among people with similar experiences, where they are understood without explanations or conventions.
An environment of strength and support
The NUFVSU Training and Rehabilitation Center is actively developing the field of rehabilitation and social adaptation of veterans. According to the center’s director, Viktor Korzh, such projects become a point of support for many participants:
“Every day, we work to ensure that our veterans receive the best opportunities for rehabilitation. These competitions are proof that through joint efforts, we are creating an environment where every soldier can feel their own strength and find a new path for development.”
Participation in such events often becomes a bridge between the past and the future for veterans — a moment when they return to activity, feel their strength, and receive inspiration to move forward.
Participants’ voices: sport that gives new life
The impressions of the veterans are the best evidence of the project’s significance.
One of the participants, Danylo Honcharenko, shares his feelings:
“I haven’t felt such drive and support in a long time. Here you realize that you are not alone — there are others who have walked a similar path. Sport restores your strength and desire to move forward.”
Similar comments were often heard from participants in various disciplines. For many of them, the competition was their first experience of serious sporting activity since returning from the war.
Development and future: the project is scaling up
The organizers say that the competition cycle will not only continue but also expand.
The plans include increasing the number of disciplines, involving new cities and regions, and creating additional programs for the comprehensive rehabilitation of veterans through sports.
The NUFVSU team emphasizes that veteran rehabilitation is not a one-time event, but a long-term process that requires systematic, professional, and humane support. And it is precisely such competitions that prove that sport can be not only recreation or leisure, but also a real tool for returning to life.
Special thanks to the partners who joined in organizing these competitions: the Ukrainian Veterans Cluster, the Veterans Institute “Architecture of Sustainability,” the Ukrainian Mass Sports Agency, the “Olympic Style” fitness center, Morshynska, the Ukrainian National Opera, Aksor, Mil Time, the Dynamo Ukraine Physical Culture and Sports Society, Trident, Asino Farm, and Kusum Farm.
COMPETITION, GONCHARENKO, SPORTS, war veterans, Корж, Пижов, УБД
Ukrainian boxer Alexander Usyk has lost his undisputed world champion status after voluntarily relinquishing his WBO belt, the World Boxing Organization said in an official statement.
“The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has announced that it has received official notification from Alexander Usyk’s team regarding the future of the WBO heavyweight championship title. After careful consideration, Usyk has decided to relinquish the title,” the statement on social media platform X said.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk “the champion of champions” in his comment.
“The WBO expresses its deep respect, admiration, and gratitude to Alexander Usyk, the undefeated WBO world champion in two weight classes, who has earned and demonstrated all the rights, privileges, and honors associated with the title of WBO super champion. His career is one of the most outstanding and historic in the modern era of boxing,“ he said.
The WBO emphasized in its statement that the organization’s doors ”will always remain open.“
”We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO heavyweight super champion title. This is not a farewell, but, as his team put it, a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Alexander Usyk and his team,” the organization said.
Usyk still remains the champion in the WBA, WBC, and IBF categories.
Ukrainians Liudmyla Luzan and Anastasiia Rybachok won a silver medal in the 500m canoe double sprint at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The athletes covered the distance in 1:54.30 minutes.
China took the first place in this event, and Canada came in third.
The United by Sport NGO presented the social campaign “This is My Game”. This is a series of powerful videos in support of gender equality in sports. The aim is to break stereotypes and prove that there are no “non-female sports”.
The social campaign features well-known Ukrainian athletes and Olympic and Paralympic champions in 5 different sports that are often interpreted as “more masculine,” including
football
powerlifting
wrestling
archery;
table tennis.
“This is My Game” is part of the Girls in Sport charity program, through which United by Sport improves girls’ physical and mental health, provides opportunities to play various sports, and supports the development of coaches.
“Recently, there has been more and more talk about equal rights for women and men. Despite this, gender inequality in sports remains an urgent problem. Many female athletes often hear that their place is not on the football field or in the ring. United by Sport aims to break these stereotypes and improve the physical and mental health of girls,”
– said Angela Fokina, President of United by Sport.
“This is my game”: a revolution in supporting women in sports
The main characters of the social campaign are famous Ukrainian athletes, winners of the Olympic Games, national and European tournaments and competitions, and the Paralympic Games:
Anastasia Klimachenko, a world-class master of sports, world champion and European vice-champion in beach soccer;
Oksana Livach – Ukrainian freestyle wrestler, World Championship medalist (2018), European champion (2019);
Iryna Koliadenko – Ukrainian wrestler, three-time European champion, silver medalist at the World Championships, bronze medalist at the 2020 Olympic Games;
Kateryna Dubrovina, Honored Master of Sports in archery, Olympic medalist;
Alisa Dubrova, professional table tennis player;
Maryna Lytovchenko, Paralympic table tennis champion;
Larisa Solovyova, 9-time world powerlifting champion.
Each of the athletes reflects strength, beauty, endurance, and choice. They demonstrate by their own example the importance of equal rights in sports.
It should be added that the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, whose tasks include the development of professional and grassroots sports and its popularization, has become the main sports and media partner of the project.
Campaign slogan: “You can be anything you want to be”.
The main message is that anyone can play any sport, regardless of age, gender, or ability. Stereotypes and dogmas have long been destroyed. And the example of the campaign ambassadors proves it. Besides, sport helps to be physically and mentally healthy.
“I am sure that this campaign will inspire many girls who want to play sports but have been hesitant because of social stereotypes or have been opposed by adults who do not understand their sport. We want to show that there are no “men’s” or “women’s” sports – there are only aspirations, perseverance and strength of mind,”
– said Kateryna Dubrovina, Honored Master of Sports in Archery, Olympic silver medalist.
Now anyone can join this movement and support the girls on their way to sports. To do this, just share the video with the hashtags #ThisIsMyGame_UBS #I Have the Right to Sport #SocialCampaign_UBS.
For more information and cooperation, please contact us via these contacts:
Alina, Communications Manager at United by Sport
+380680130232
alina.olikhovska@united–bysport.org
On February 10-11, the Ukrainian Squash Championship 2024 took place at the courts of the capital’s Sport Life fitness club in Teremky, bringing together 120 athletes from all over the country. The competition was attended by representatives from Kharkiv, Dnipro, Poltava, Odesa, Kherson, Lviv and other regions of the country.
Anastasia Kostiukova and Denis Podvorny became the champions in the adult category, defeating their rivals by demonstrating a high level of skill and invincible spirit. This victory was especially significant for Denys Podvornyi, as he managed to return to the competition after a year of recovery and win his 7th Ukrainian title, losing only two games to his opponents.
Full list of tournament winners:
Boys under 9 years old:
1st place Kostyukov Artem
2nd place Nikolai Filipov
3rd place Mark Grabovsky
Boys under 11 years old:
1st place Schneider Artem
2nd place Matyukhov Egor
3rd place Horbunov Ivan
Girls under 13 years old:
1st place Syvoplias Victoria
2nd place Orlenko Oleksandra
3rd place Krasnokutska Daria
Boys under 13 years old
1st place Andrii Hutsailiuk
2nd place Doroshenko Gleb
3rd place Tomenchuk Mykyta
Girls under 17 years old:
1st place Krykun Anastasia
2nd place Vlasenko Daria
3rd place Tarasova Anna
Boys under 17 years old:
1st place Panchenko Artem
2nd place Danylo Kurilyak
3rd place Shcherbakov Yegor
WOMEN:
1st place Kostyukova Anastasia
2nd place Krykun Anastasia
3rd place Sardak Liana
MEN:
1st place Podvorny Denis
2nd place Panov Nikita
3rd place Petrovych Ruslan
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity to host and conduct such events. They also thanked the Sport Life club network for providing courts free of charge, Interfax Ukraine, Experts Club and Maxim Urakin for their media coverage of the tournament, as well as Thermopab represented by Alexander Batashov and KRAINA for their tireless support and assistance in organizing the tournament.
Special thanks go to Tecnifibre for valuable gifts for the children’s categories, as well as to all the players and referees who were able to join this sporting event.
This championship confirmed that even in difficult times, Ukrainians retain the ability to unite, grow and achieve great success. The winners and runners-up in the children’s categories once again reminded us of the importance of sport in developing young people and strengthening the national spirit.
ANASTASIA_KOSTYUKOVA, DENIS_PODVORNY, DMITRY_SHCHERBAKOV, SPORTS, SQUASH, TOURNAMENT
