Ukraine continues to strengthen its support for defenders returning to civilian life after service. One of the key areas of reintegration is veteran sports — a tool for physical and psychological adaptation that also brings veterans together in strong communities across the country.
Veteran sports are more than just training or competition. They are:
- physical rehabilitation, as sports are an auxiliary tool in recovery that restores endurance and strength after injuries or prolonged stress;
- psychological support: sports provide emotional relief, help combat stress, and strengthen the psyche;
- community strength: veterans who train together create an environment of trust and mutual support;
- involvement of families and communities: joint participation in events by defenders, their families, volunteers, and local residents fosters a sense of unity.
This is not about competition or winning, but about giving every veteran the opportunity to feel supported and recover. Veterans can choose any activity that suits their interests, goals, and physical condition. The state supports several key initiatives.
VETERANS' SPORTS
The program was launched in January 2025 and has already been used by over 100,000 people. Veterans with combatant status or war-related disabilities can receive 1,500 hryvnia per quarter for classes on the "Dія.Картка" card. Applications can be submitted during the first 20 days of each new quarter. Gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools, martial arts clubs — more than 500 sports facilities throughout Ukraine have already joined the program.
A list of participating facilities can be found here: https://mva.gov.ua/veteranam/httpsdocsgooglecomspreadsheetsd1ww_ptxltlkl1klyfh2c86c6z_7a3poa4editgid1071425060gid1071425060
VETERANS GAMES
All-Ukrainian sports competitions aimed at supporting and rehabilitating defenders. The "Games" include various sports: crossfit, table tennis, sitting volleyball, and many others. The All-Ukrainian competition will take place on November 28-30 this year in Kyiv.
You can register for the "Games" here: https://cabinet.payments.eveteran.gov.ua/tasks/create/10113/10113001
INVICTUS GAMES
The Invictus Games are international competitions organized by the Invictus Games Foundation, founded by Britain's Prince Harry. The goal is to assist in rehabilitation. In 2025, the Invictus Games were held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. The Ukrainian team consisted of 35 defenders and won 32 medals.
Veterans, female veterans, and active military personnel who have suffered injuries and trauma while serving can participate in the selection process for the Ukrainian team for the Invictus Games. This includes not only members of the Armed Forces, but also representatives of the entire security and defense sector, including volunteer formations.
Contacts and event calendar here: https://invictusgames.in.ua
STRONG UKRAINE
All-Ukrainian sports competitions in adaptive sports among veterans, defenders, and defenders who have suffered injuries and wounds. They were first held in 2023 and became part of the system of sports and rehabilitation activities for war veterans organized by the Strongman Federation of Ukraine.
More information here: https://strongman.org.ua/glavnaya
STRONG SPIRIT GAMES
International sports competitions for veterans with severe injuries, initiated in Ukraine. They are part of the selection process for the Arnold Classic Europe international tournament. Participants compete in several disciplines, such as bench press, kettlebell snatch, and rowing on a simulator.
Contacts and event calendar here: https://strongspiritsgames.com/ssg-2025
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs has developed a unified calendar of sporting events for war veterans. Dozens of events are planned throughout the year in various regions of Ukraine, ranging from local tournaments to national competitions.
The list can be found at this link: https://mva.gov.ua/veteranam/ediniy-kalendarniy-plan-sportivnih-zmagan-ta-zahodiv-zi-sportu-veteraniv-viyna-na-2025-rik
The "Opportunities for Veterans" information campaign is being implemented as part of a partnership between the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Reintegration Program, which is being implemented by IREX with the support of the US State Department.