From 30 May to 2 June, Kyiv hosted the national adaptive sports competitions for veterans and wounded servicemen, marking the kickoff of the selection process for the Ukrainian team that will compete in the Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, in February 2025. FUIB is proud to be the financial partner of the Ukrainian Invictus Games 2025 team.
This year, the national Invictus Games competitions saw a record turnout of 329 participants – servicemen and veterans who were injured, wounded, or fell ill while on combat duty. In June, a dedicated panel will select 35 athletes to represent Ukraine at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada. These national contests are the largest sporting event for veterans in Ukraine, attracting participants from across the country. Also, a serviceman from Finland who fought in defence of Ukraine has taken part in the national competitions this year.
The participants competed in nine types of adaptive sports: athletics (running, shot-put, and discus throw), cycling, swimming, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, powerlifting, rowing on simulators, archery, and table tennis. For many, it was their first time trying these sports. Despite various level of training and preparation, all participants faced the challenges offered at the Games with resilience and dignity, emphasising that the event was not about winning but celebrating personal victories – each participant received a medal as a symbol of their achievement.
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in collaboration with the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, StratCom Ukraine Centre for Strategic Communication, Come Back Alive! CSO, and the Invictus Games in Ukraine CSO oversees the selection and preparation of the Ukrainian team for 2025.
