Physical recovery and support for brothers: how an adaptive club for veterans works in Derazhnia

On March 20, a training session for veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war was held in Derazhnia, Khmelnytskyi region, within the framework of the project "Time to Act, Unstoppable". It is not just a gym – it is a place for physical rehabilitation, psychological support and communication of brothers who are together on the path of reintegration into civilian life.

The adaptive club in Derazhnia is one of the 15 winners of the All-Ukrainian competition of social initiatives "Time to Act, Unstoppable". Thanks to grant support, specialized sports and rehabilitation equipment was installed here: a CrossFit station, simulators for recovery after injuries, and a space for group classes. This is the first such club in the community where veterans can not only train, but also receive the necessary support.

"Sport is not only physical recovery, but also a new point of support," shares veteran Ihor Ahaev. Ihor knows well how much sport can change lives. Even before the war, he actively trained, trying to stay in shape even during his service. But after demobilization in the summer of 2024, an injured knee and back problems became a real challenge for him.

"There is everything you need for training without unnecessary stress. But the most important thing is the circle of brothers. We understand each other without unnecessary words, support each other, share experiences. This place gives not only physical strength, but also faith in yourself," says Ihor.

Now training has become part of his life. He regularly comes to the club, works with equipment, motivates other veterans and proves that an active life is possible even after serious trials. Yehor Aleksieenko, Head of the Department of Organization of Events and Monitoring Research of the State Institution "Sport for All":

"The new adaptive club "Active Parks - Unstoppable" in Derazhnia is a place of strength, support and development. Here, veterans, people with disabilities and amputations will be able to train, recover and achieve new goals. Sport should be accessible to everyone, and this club is another step in this direction."

Oleksandr Pakholyuk, Director of the BF "MHP-Community:

"We see that sport is a powerful driver of rehabilitation and adaptation of veterans. Within the framework of the competition "Time to Act, Unstoppable" we install special equipment for swimming pools to make them accessible to people with disabilities. We pay special attention to the training of trainers – together with universities of physical culture we conduct training so that specialists master modern methods of working with veterans and people with disabilities."

Viktor Vasylinych, regional director of the enterprise "MHP-Ahrokriazh":

"The creation of such adaptive spaces is not just about sports, but about the opportunity for veterans to return to active life, find support and feel that they are not left alone with their challenges. We understand very well how important it is to help our defenders integrate into the community, so we actively support such initiatives within the framework of the "MHP Next to You" program. I believe that this space will become the place for veterans where they will find new motivation, strength and the opportunity to move forward."

Adaptive sport is not only physical activity, but also a holistic approach to rehabilitation and return to active life of veterans and people with disabilities. It helps to restore motor functions, increase endurance and improve overall well-being. An important advantage of adaptive sports is the ability to gradually return to social activity. Team classes, participation in competitions and achievement of new personal results give people a chance to feel support and unity with others, which contributes to their social reintegration.

 Additional information:      

"Time to Act, Unstoppable" – is a grant competition for communities that can receive up to UAH 400,000 to create an adaptive club "Unstoppable" in their village or town.     

The competition is implemented in 13 regions of Ukraine. On the terms of co-financing, the project received grant support from the State Institution "All-Ukrainian Center for Physical Health of the Population "Sport for All", with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine within the framework of the President of Ukraine's program "Active Parks", as well as the Charitable Foundation "MHP-Community" within the framework of the veteran reintegration program "MHP Next to You", the Fedor Shpyg Foundation.

The project is aimed at creating and equipping sports centers in communities, adapted for people with disabilities, including people with disabilities as a result of the war, where they will be able to engage in physical culture, communicate with like-minded people and receive professional support from qualified trainers, stimulating their reintegration into the social life of the community.