Invictus Games Foundation Supports Sustainable Adaptive Snowsport Programme in Ukraine
The Invictus Games Foundation has supported an adaptive snowsport programme in Ukraine as part of its Signature Programme, aimed at strengthening recovery pathways for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service personnel while building long-term, locally led coaching capacity.
Through a train-the-trainer model delivered in partnership with UK- and US-based charity Ukrainian Action, the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team (AFPST) trained 18 Ukrainian snowsport coaches in adaptive Alpine skiing, snowboarding and Nordic disciplines.
The initiative was designed to create a sustainable foundation for adaptive snowsport in Ukraine and was led by six world-class AFPST adaptive coaches, four of whom were members of the WIS community, and included essential training in safety, adaptive classification, coaching methodology and mental health first aid.
Steve Arnold, a former Staff Sergeant in the Army, lost both his legs in 2011 after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan. He turned to handcycling, representing Great Britain at the Invictus Games before continuing to use sport as a tool for recovery by working to represent Team GB at the Paralympics, he turned from handcycling to winter sports, competing at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games and is now retired and looking to give back to the community.
"The last 10 days have been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences of my life," Steve said.
The programme was delivered in Bukovel on the Carpathian Mountain in partnership with the Bukovel Ski School.
"Being injured nearly 15 years ago myself, I know what sport, especially skiing has given me. It has been incredible to be a very small part of these incredible Ukrainian veterans recovery journey. I cannot put it into words, but to see people who have been through the worst of it still laughing, smiling and enjoying themselves is the best feeling ever.”
Steve also highlighted the Ukrainian instructors and participants, saying, “The biggest shoutout must go to the Ukrainian instructors and veterans who couldn’t have been more welcoming, humble and keen to learn. You made teaching you all one of the best feelings in the world and something I will never forget. You are all doing your country proud.”
Ben Gallagher, who served with the Royal Signals and sustained serious injuries in 2019, also coached on the programme. Gallagher, who competed at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 and was a coach for Team UK at Vancouver Whistler 2025, said, “It was an immense privilege and absolute honour to be part of this programme in Ukraine."
“Having experienced complex trauma and my own journey through sport, I am acutely aware of the therapeutic benefits of the mountains, the power of connection, and the sense of empowerment that can be gained.” He also noted, “Coaching allowed me to stay a part of the Invictus Games environment, an environment that I love, where nations come together and enjoy a sport I love,” he said.
The programme trained 18 Ukrainian instructors and provided enhanced adaptive snowsport sessions to 24 wounded, injured and sick participants. Training included adaptive coaching techniques, safety, adaptive classification, coaching methodology and mental health first aid.
The Invictus Games Foundation’s support ensured the programme was sustainable, creating a long-term foundation for adaptive snowsport in Ukraine. By building local coaching capacity and supporting participants directly, the Foundation is helping establish community-led recovery pathways that will continue long after the programme concludes.