The Ukrainian national veterans team is gearing up to compete in international sports events held annually for wounded servicemen and veterans of the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps.
The competitions will take place from February 20 to March 3 and represent a significant milestone in the development of veteran sports in Ukraine.
Known as the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials, these events serve as a selection process for forming teams that will represent the U.S. at the Warrior Games, where various military branches compete.
Although Ukrainian athletes will not participate in the selection process, they are invited as an international team to broaden the competition format, enhance international collaboration, and share experiences in veteran sports. Teams from Canada, Australia, and the UK will also participate. The Ukrainian team consists of 15 athletes competing in 11 sports, including basketball, rugby, volleyball, and archery.
Among the team is veteran Valeriy Stalnichenko from Odesa, who will represent Ukraine in several disciplines.
The competition format is tailored to the needs of injured servicemen, ensuring safe and fair conditions for all participants.
Held annually at various U.S. military bases, the 2024 Ukrainian team previously participated in the Trials in Las Vegas, marking an important step in the growth of our national team.
During the competitions, athletes will compete in the following disciplines:
- wheelchair basketball,
- wheelchair rugby,
- sitting volleyball,
- archery,
- rowing on simulators,
- athletics,
- powerlifting,
- cycling,
- swimming,
- rifle shooting — a new and particularly exciting discipline for our team.
Such formats for veteran sports help develop a sustained support system that honors the experiences and resilience of those who defended Ukraine.
The formation, training, and participation of the Ukrainian team are organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in collaboration with the initiative center “Come Back Alive” as part of implementing the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
