On September 14, in Bukovel, the "Ukrainian Strongman Federation," in cooperation with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and in partnership with Avrora, held the National Selection of War Veterans for the international "Strong Spirit’s Games." The event brought together 139 veterans from 20 regions across Ukraine.
“Sport is the best means and tool for reintegrating veterans into civilian life,” noted Serhii Koniushok, President of the Ukrainian Strongman Federation. One of the participants, veteran Illia Haiduk, added: “These competitions are incredibly important. As we train and strive for results, we’re surrounded by like-minded people and receive strong support. Life regains its meaning for us!”
The athletes competed in adaptive sports disciplines: bench press (for max weight and repetitions), rowing machine (100 meters and 100 seconds), kettlebell snatch, and air bike (50 kcal). A new rowing record for 100 seconds was also set—610 meters—by Kyiv-based veteran athlete Serhii Stratiichuk.
This year’s Strong Spirit Games served as the qualifying stage for the international Arnold Classic Europe 2024 (October 11–13 in Madrid). For the first time, a Ukrainian team of war veterans will travel to these prestigious competitions to proudly represent Ukraine πΊπ¦. This marks a strategic step forward in the development of sports rehabilitation for war veterans in Ukraine and worldwide.
