Ukrainian Veterans Bring Adaptive Sports Knowledge Home After Rehabilitation Programme in Colorado

A group of Ukrainian wounded, injured, and sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans have returned from a specialised rehabilitation programme in Colorado with a mission to share what they learned and help expand adaptive sports opportunities across Ukraine.

The group, supported by the Invictus Games Foundation, took part in a week-long programme at the Adaptive Sports Centre (ASC) in Crested Butte, USA, where they engaged in outdoor adventure activities designed to support physical and psychological recovery. The initiative was not only about personal rehabilitation but about equipping participants and their coaches with the tools to lead similar efforts in their own communities.

A follow-up event was recently held at the Veteran Hub in Kyiv, where veterans, partner organisations, and others came together to hear about the outcomes of the Colorado programme, reflect on its impact, and explore opportunities to expand similar rehabilitation initiatives across Ukraine.

The programme aligns with the Invictus Games Foundation’s newly launched strategy to catalyse systemic change across its international community, continue to support recovery through sport and adventurous challenge, and focus resources where the need is great.

Activities within the programme included adaptive mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and rope and challenge courses, alongside group workshops, peer support sessions, and a community event with the local Ukrainian diaspora in Colorado.

The programme ran from August 22 to 31 and was organised in partnership with the Ukrainian veterans’ charity Unconquered, founded by Invictus Games alumnus Ihor Bezkaravainyi, who currently serves as Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy. Bezkaravainyi and his wife, Olena, accompanied the group along with their two young children.

This builds on the Foundation’s latest visit to Kyiv, where its Founding Patron, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, led a delegation to meet wounded service personnel and unveil new adaptive sports and rehabilitation initiatives specifically for Ukrainian veterans.

With thanks to partner American Airlines for supporting the group’s travel to the United States and helping the We Are Invictus community access life-changing opportunities.