An adaptive sports festival for veterans has kicked off in Odesa

A festival of adaptive sports for veterans is taking place in Odesa on July 24. Participants can try out several disciplines and choose a rehabilitation method that works for them.

An Intenta photojournalist attended the festival.

The event was organized by the nonprofit “Free Warriors” in partnership with the international organization Project Hope.

According to Arsen Ryaboshapka, co-founder of “Free Warriors,” the festival is primarily intended for veterans who are not yet familiar with adaptive sports.

“For veterans undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, this is an opportunity to try different sports and choose the recovery method that will help them in their further rehabilitation and socialization,” he said.

<picture></picture>An adaptive sports festival for veterans has kicked off in Odesa / Photo: Intent

Participants can try wheelchair basketball, pickleball, petanque (boccia), archery, and golf. Coaches and instructors are on hand at the venues to help veterans master these new disciplines.

Vasyl Vyrozub, rector of the Holy Trinity Church of the OCU in Odesa and a military chaplain, also joined the festival .

<picture></picture>Military chaplain Father Vasyl Vyrozub / Photo: Intent

Oleg, a veteran of the 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade who now works as an archery instructor, is convinced that adaptive sports are not only a means of physical rehabilitation but also an opportunity to return to an active life.

“Adaptive sports help with rehabilitation. It’s also about socializing and connecting with fellow veterans who are just like you,” he noted.

Festival participant Volodymyr Mazur, a veteran of the 59th Separate Assault Brigade, called sports one of the most important steps in returning to civilian life after being wounded.

<picture></picture>Photo: Intent

“Rehabilitation through sports helps a person find themselves, reintegrate into society, and find a community that will understand, support, and help them,” said the veteran.

The organizers emphasize that the main goal of the festival is to show veterans that adaptive sports can be not only an effective tool for physical rehabilitation but also a way to regain self-confidence, make new friends, and return to an active life.

Ірина Глухова