UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Sep. 15 — Five veterans from Kharkiv Oblast joined the national team that will represent Ukraine at the Strong Spirit’s Games 2025, which will take place in Madrid, Spain, reported the fifth Slobozhanska Brigade “Skif” of the National Guard of Ukraine. 

Strong Spirit’s Games is an international adaptive sports competition for combat veterans with and without injuries. 

Serhii Kiiashko, head of physical training and sports for the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade, said that the servicemen participate in four adaptive disciplines: rowing on a machine, air bike, bench press, and kettlebell sport.

“We expect that around seven or eight veterans from our unit will make it onto the national team. These disciplines are well-suited for service members with varying degrees of injury,” Kiiashko said.

The brigade shared that the Slobozhanska servicemen showed their preparation for the selection during an open training session. Guardsman Oleh, whose call sign is “Belmondo,” is among those competing for a spot on the national team. He’s been training on the air bike.

“This machine is really tough. It’s a mix of cardio and strength. You need serious endurance — you have to be tough,” Oleh said.

Oleh, serviceman of the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade “Skif” / Photo: 5th Slobozhanska Brigade “Skif”

Before the Russian full-scale invasion, Oleh was a businessman. In 2022, he volunteered to join the army. He served with the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade of the National Guard near Balakliia and Izium in the Kharkiv region and in Luhansk and the Kupiansk directions. He is currently recovering from injuries and returning to sports.

“Strength training, air bike, rowing, kettlebells, kettlebell snatch — that’s what I’m working on. It’s a competition with myself. I set a small goal every time. Maybe I’m past the age for winning medals, but the main thing is to feel proud of myself,” Oleh said.

Oleh, serviceman of the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade "Skif" / Photo: 5th Slobozhanska Brigade "Skif"
Oleh, serviceman of the 5th Slobozhanska Brigade “Skif” / Photo: 5th Slobozhanska Brigade “Skif”

The brigade also noted that the final stage of the national selection took place last week in Bukovel, where 220 veterans from across Ukraine competed. As a result, a team of 70 athletes was formed — 11 representing the Kharkiv region.

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