Ukrainians continue to win the championship at the Invictus Games. The tournament’s third day among veterans and wounded or injured service members has ended. The team from Ukraine – 25 participants – has already won 19 medals: 6 gold, 11 silver and 2 bronze, Suspilne. Sport reported.
This year, the competition takes place in Germany, in Düsseldorf. Ukraine popularizes competitions and tries to attract as many veterans and wounded service members as possible to participate in them to regain self-confidence, says the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Olena Yanovska.
“Sports is exactly the tool that helps wounded people regain faith in themselves. Therefore, this year’s national team of Ukraine includes many veterans and military personnel who had never played sports before. When our soldiers get into the circle of their brothers, a friendly atmosphere of mutual support and mutual respect, when they understand, coming to the Invictus Games abroad – they see the huge support of the veteran community of all countries! And this support gives each person much more strength to gather their spirits, believe in themselves and move forward,” Yanovska said.
Yanovska added that the Ukrainian team has been receiving significant support from the audience. Prince Harry, the founder of the games, also encouraged the Ukrainians. The member of the British royal family spoke with the fans, as well as with Yulia Laputina, Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.
The Invictus Games will last until September 16. International sports competitions in the Paralympic-style have been going on since 2014. Ukraine joined for the first time in 2017. This year, the competition program includes ten sports: archery, athletics, rowing on simulators, powerlifting, swimming, cycling, sitting volleyball, basketball and wheelchair rugby, and table tennis.
Cover: Invictus Games: Team Ukraine; Getty Images, BBC News Ukraine
