The Ukrainian veterans' team will participate in the annual international sports trials for wounded military personnel held in the USA.
From February 20 to March 3, the Ukrainian national team will represent the country at competitions aimed at supporting the Air Force and Marine Corps veterans.
The Air Force and Marine Corps Trials serve as a qualifying event for the Warrior Games, where representatives from various branches of the U.S. military compete.
While Ukrainian athletes will not compete for a spot in the Warrior Games, they are invited as an international team to enhance the competition format and exchange experiences. Teams from Canada, Australia, and the UK are also participating. The Ukrainian team consists of 15 athletes competing in 11 different sports.
Among the participants is Valeriy Stalnichenko, a veteran from Odesa, who will compete in basketball, rugby, volleyball, and archery.
The format of the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials is designed with adaptive sports principles to ensure fair opportunities for all participants.
These trials are held annually at various U.S. military bases, depending on which branch is hosting. In 2024, the Ukrainian team participated in the trials in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone for our veterans' team.
Athletes compete in the following sports:
- wheelchair basketball,
- wheelchair rugby,
- sitting volleyball,
- archery,
- rowing on machines,
- track and field,
- powerlifting,
- cycling,
- swimming,
- rifle shooting — a new and particularly interesting discipline for our team.
This format enables veteran sports to become a sustainable support system, respecting the experiences and dignity of those who defended Ukraine. The formation, training, and participation of the Ukrainian team are organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in partnership with the 'Come Back Alive' initiative as part of the national strategy for creating an accessible environment.
