On September 14, in Bukovel, the Strongman Federation of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and in partnership with Aurora, held the National Selection of War Veterans for the Strong Spirit’s Games International Competition. The event was attended by 139 veterans representing 20 regions of Ukraine.
“Sport is the best tool to reintegrate veterans into civilian life,” Serhii Koniushok, President of the Strongman Federation said. One of the contestants, veteran Illia Haiduk, added: “Such competitions are extremely important. Through training and striving for results, we find ourselves surrounded by like-minded individuals and receive strong support. It gives our lives meaning.”
The athletes competed in various adaptive sports: bench press (maximal and repetitive), rowing on a simulator (100 m and 100 sec), kettlebell snatch, and a 50-kcal air bike challenge. Serhii Stratiichuk, a veteran athlete from Kyiv, set a record in the 100 m rowing event, covering 610 m.
This year's Strong Spirit Games were a qualifying stage for the Arnold Classic Europe 2024 International Competition, which will be held in Madrid on October 11-13. For the first time, a Ukrainian team of war veterans will participate, proudly representing our country. This is a strategic milestone in advancing sports rehabilitation for war veterans, both in Ukraine and around the world.