The Ukrainian national veterans' team will participate in the annual sports event for injured servicemen of the Air Force and Marine Corps of the USA.
From February 20 to March 3, the Ukrainian veterans' team will join these competitions held annually.
The Air Force and Marine Corps Trials are the American selection competitions. Based on their results, teams are formed to participate in the Warrior Games — a multi-service event featuring the army, special forces, navy, air force, and marines.
Although Ukrainian athletes will not compete for a spot in the Warrior Games, they have been invited as an international team to broaden the competition format and enhance international collaboration, as well as create a platform for sharing experiences in veteran sports. In addition to Ukraine, teams from Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom are also invited. The Ukrainian team consists of 15 athletes competing in 11 sports.
Among the members is veteran Valeriy Stalnichenko from Odesa, who will participate in basketball, rugby, volleyball, and archery.
The format of the Trials is adapted for injured soldiers, making the competition fair, safe, and competitive.
The events take place at various military bases in the USA, depending on which branch of the military is hosting. In 2024, the Ukrainian team already participated in the Trials in Las Vegas, marking an important milestone in the development of our team.
Athletes compete in the following disciplines:
- wheelchair basketball,
- wheelchair rugby,
- archery,
- rowing on simulators,
- athletics,
- powerlifting,
- cycling,
- swimming,
- rifle shooting — a new and particularly interesting discipline for our team.
Such formats help veteran sports become a continuous support system, honoring the experience, dignity, and strength of those who defended Ukraine.
The formation and participation of the Ukrainian team are organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in collaboration with the initiative center "Come Back Alive" in line with the veteran policy strategy.
