These days, the United States Air Force Trials 2024, an international sports competition for wounded servicemen and war veterans, is taking place in the US city of Las Vegas. In the first days, the Ukrainian national team won 34 medals, 20 of them gold. This was reported by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine , UNN reports .
Details
As of today, our soldiers have won the most awards in swimming competitions - 26 medals (15 gold, 8 silver, 3 bronze). The Ukrainian team won one gold medal each in sitting volleyball and cycling, and another 6 gold and silver medals in powerlifting.
This is not just a sport - it is a demonstration of the invincible spirit of our nation, an important element of diplomacy that reminds the world of the strength, courage and dedication of our people to their country. The words "Courage and honor: our veterans are the living spirit of Ukraine!" deeply reflect why we value our veterans so much. They embody everything we are proud of: courage, integrity, and an unwavering belief in a better future for our country. We thank our veterans for their service, strength, and resilience,
The head coach of the national team, Olena Yanovska, emphasized that sport is first and foremost a discipline, a comfort zone for all military personnel.
Sport has no limits, you set yourself a new goal every time, and by defeating yourself and your opponents, you gain confidence and faith in yourself. Sports is hard, uncomfortable, sometimes painful, but every step, shot, centimeter or kilogram brings a wounded warrior closer from "I can't" to "I can do anything!". The best thing I've heard from a ward over the years is this phrase: "Through hard training and victory in sports, I regained the feeling I had a moment before I was wounded!", which means that he accepted a new self. He felt, realized, understood that he was alive. And for a coach, this feeling of a ward is the best reward,
In total, 30 Ukrainian veterans and servicemen are participating in the United States Air Force Trials 2024 at the invitation of the U.S. Air Force (Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program). They will compete in 11 adaptive sports: swimming, cycling, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby, archery, powerlifting, running, shot put/discus, rowing, and shooting.
The preparation and participation of the national team was organized by the Ministry of Veterans jointly with the Ukrainian Veterans Fund of the Ministry of Veterans, the NGO "Come Back Alive!", the NGO "Stratcom Ukraine" and the NGO "Games Invictus Ukraine".
Recall
30 Ukrainian veterans traveled to Las Vegas to participate in 9 sports at the US Air Force 2024 Military Games.