Veterans from Kyiv will compete in the international Strong Spirit's Games taking place in Madrid.

Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova and her deputy Ruslan Prykhodko held a meeting with the national team of Ukraine before their departure for the competition.

The team consists of 62 veterans who have endured the hardships of war and found new purpose in sports. Among them are five representatives from Kyiv:

• Ruslan Marushchak (Obukhiv)
• Ruslan Sumin (Bohuslav)
• Eduard Kulakov (Irpin)
• Oleksiy Mishchenko (Kryukivshchyna)
• Bohdan Butovych (Pereyaslav).

“This is a special pride for our region. Kyiv once again proves that its veterans inspire with their spirit and resilience,” noted the head of KOVA Mykola Kalashnik.

The Strong Spirit's Games symbolize a path to recovery and belief in one's abilities, showcasing that Ukrainian warriors are invincible.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs in partnership with the Ukrainian Strongman Federation, World Strongman Federation, and NGO DAMARK as part of the implementation of the Veterans Policy Strategy and the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.