The Ukrainian national veteran team is heading to the United States to participate in annual sports events dedicated to injured service members.

From February 20 to March 3, the Ukrainian team will compete in the annual sports trials for injured members of the Air Force and Marine Corps.

The Air Force and Marine Corps Trials serve as a qualifying competition for forming teams that will represent the USA at the Warrior Games, a significant multi-service event.

Though Ukrainian athletes will not compete for a place in the Warrior Games, they are invited as an international team to expand the competition framework, strengthen international ties, and share experiences in veteran sports. Apart from Ukraine, teams from Canada, Australia, and the UK will also participate. The Ukrainian team consists of 15 athletes competing in 11 sports.
Among the participants is Valeriy Stalnichenko from Odesa, who will compete in basketball, rugby, volleyball, and archery.

The format of the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials is based on adaptive sports principles, allowing all participants to compete in conditions of equality and safety.

The competitions are held at different military bases in the USA depending on the hosting service. In 2024, the Ukrainian team already participated in the Trials in Las Vegas, marking an important step in the development of our veteran community.

Athletes will compete in the following disciplines:

• wheelchair basketball,
• wheelchair rugby,
• archery,
• rowing on ergometers,
• athletics,
• powerlifting,
• cycling,
• swimming,
• rifle shooting — a new and exciting discipline for our team.

Through such formats, veteran sports become not just a one-time event but a sustainable support system that respects the experiences and dignity of those who defended Ukraine.
The formation and participation of the Ukrainian team is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the initiative center "Come Back Alive" under the veteran policy strategy, supported by the First Lady Olena Zelenska.