The Ukrainian national team is heading to Spain to participate in the Strong Spirit’s Games 2025 international sports competition.
The team includes 62 veterans, as well as military personnel who participated in combat operations and suffered injuries. They will represent Ukraine in Madrid from 25 to 29 September.
Strong Spirit’s Games is an international multi-sport competition for combat veterans. This year, they will be held in their own independent format for the first time. In addition to the Ukrainian team, athletes from the United States, Ireland, Spain, Estonia, and Georgia will also participate. A total of 150 participants will compete.
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Minister for Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova emphasised that participation in the Strong Spirit’s Games is an important part of military rehabilitation through sport. According to her, such competitions help restore physical health and psychological resilience, as well as inspire other veterans.
The Ukrainian team already has successful experience competing in Madrid. In October 2024, at the competitions held as part of the Arnold Classic Europe festival, it won a record 188 medals, including 84 gold medals.
Participation in this year’s Strong Spirit’s Games is being organised by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in conjunction with the Ukrainian Strongman Federation, the World Strongmen Federation and the NGO DAMARK.
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