The Ukrainian national veteran team is preparing to participate in the annual international sports competitions held for wounded service members of the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps.
The events will take place from February 20 to March 3, involving not only Ukrainians but also teams from Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Known as the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials, these competitions serve as qualifiers for forming teams that will represent the USA at the Warrior Games, which unite the army, special forces, navy, air force, and marines.
While Ukrainian athletes will not participate in the Warrior Games selection, they are invited as an international team to expand the competition format and share experiences in veteran sports. The Ukrainian team consists of 15 athletes competing in 11 disciplines. Among them is veteran Valeriy Stalnichenko from Odesa, who will compete in basketball, rugby, volleyball, and archery.
The competition format is based on adaptive sports principles, allowing all participants to compete on equal terms, considering their capabilities.
Every year, the competitions are held at various U.S. military bases, depending on which branch of the military is hosting. Last year, the Ukrainian team participated in the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone in the development of our veteran community.
Athletes will compete in the following disciplines:
- wheelchair basketball,
- wheelchair rugby,
- sitting volleyball,
- archery,
- rowing on machines,
- athletics,
- powerlifting,
- cycling,
- swimming,
- rifle shooting – a new and exciting discipline for our team.
These competitions not only support veterans but also contribute to establishing a sustainable support system that honors the experiences and dignity of those who defended Ukraine.
The participation and preparation of the Ukrainian team is organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in cooperation with the initiative “Come Back Alive,” within the framework of the Veteran Policy Strategy.
