On September 4 in Bukovel, the Ukrainian Strongman Federation, together with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and in partnership with Aurora, held the National Selection of War Veterans for the international “Strong Spirit’s Games.” The event brought together 139 veterans from 20 regions of Ukraine.

“Sport is the best means and tool for a veteran’s resocialization into civilian life,” — noted Serhii Koniushok, President of the Ukrainian Strongman Federation.

One of the participants, veteran Illia Haiduk, added:

“Such competitions are extremely important. Striving for results, training, we are surrounded by like-minded people and have strong support. For us, life gains meaning!”

Athletes competed in adaptive sports disciplines: bench press (maximum and repetitions), rowing on an ergometer (100 m and 100 sec), kettlebell snatch, and airbike (50 kcal).
A record was also set in the 100-second rowing discipline — 610 m by Kyiv veteran athlete Serhii Stratiichuk.

This year’s Strong Spirit’s Games served as the qualifying stage for the international Arnold Classic Europe 2024 (October 11–13 in Madrid). For the first time, a Ukrainian national team of war veterans will travel to these competitions to represent Ukraine with dignity.