Sport for recovery and resilience: veterans from across Ukraine unite at the Steel of Spirit tournament in Vinnytsia
Teams from Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Khmelnytskyi, and Vinnytsia took part in the tournament. Participants competed in four disciplines: boxing, arm wrestling, SUP board racing, and beach volleyball. The event was organized by the Committee for Physical Culture of the Vinnytsia City Council, Municipal Youth Sports School No. 2, and the NGO "Steel of Spirit."
According to Roman Holovashchenko, head of the NGO "Steel of Spirit," the tournament's main goal is to build a veterans' sports community where everyone can feel the support of their brothers- and sisters-in-arms.
"The goal of the event is to create a veterans' sports community and unite veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war through sports. It is important that they have the opportunity to communicate, support one another, and not be left alone with their experiences. Sport is one of the most effective rehabilitation tools and helps people cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder," said Holovashchenko.
He also explained that physical activity has a positive impact not only on veterans' physical condition but also on their mental health.
"During moderate physical activity, the level of the stress hormone cortisol decreases, while the production of dopamine and endorphins increases. That is why people feel much better after exercising, experiencing a boost of energy and positive emotions," the organizer added.
In the Vinnytsia community, sports events for veterans have already become an integral part of the support system for defenders. They help participants not only maintain their physical fitness but also promote social reintegration, psychological recovery, and the strengthening of the veterans' community.
"Through sport, people feel the unity of the community, its respect, and its support. It is very important that every veteran knows they are needed, appreciated, and valued," said Inna Zahrai, chief specialist of the Committee for Physical Culture and Sports of the Vinnytsia City Council.
All participants of the tournament received commemorative medals from the organizers, while the winners were presented with certificates of appreciation.
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6 of July 2026
