Veterans from Kyiv region will represent Ukraine at the Strong Spirit’s Games, an international sports event taking place in Madrid.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs, Nataliya Kalmykova, along with her deputy Ruslan Prykhodko, met with the national team of Ukraine before their departure for the competition.

The team consists of 62 veterans who have endured the hardships of war, suffered injuries, but have found new purpose and strength in sports. Among them are five representatives from Kyiv region:

• Ruslan Marushchak (Obukhiv)
• Ruslan Sumin (Bohuslav)
• Eduard Kulakov (Irpin)
• Olexiy Mishchenko (Kryukivshchyna)
• Bohdan Butovych (Pereyaslav)

“This is a special pride for our region. Kyiv region once again proves that its veterans inspire with their strength of spirit and resilience,” noted the head of the Regional State Administration Mykola Kalashnyk.

The Strong Spirit’s Games represent a path to recovery, belief in one’s abilities, and proof that Ukrainian warriors are invincible.

This event is organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs in partnership with the Ukrainian Strongman Federation, the World Strongman Federation, and NGO DAMARK as part of the implementation of the Veterans Policy Strategy and the National Strategy for Creating an Accessible Environment in Ukraine, initiated by the First Lady Olena Zelenska.