“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 🇺🇦. This marks a strategic step forward in the development of sports rehabilitation for war veterans in Ukraine and worldwide.