Launch of the New Season of “Time to Act, Unstoppable”: Up to UAH 400,000 to Create Adaptive Spaces for Veterans
New Season, New Opportunities for Communities, Veterans, and People with Disabilities
Wounded defenders and individuals with disabilities often struggle to find accessible sports spaces essential for physical and mental rehabilitation. In 2024, the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” social competition successfully facilitated the creation of 15 adaptive sports spaces across various communities in Ukraine. Building on this impact, the initiative aims to establish 20 additional adaptive clubs this year, offering communities the opportunity to receive up to UAH 400,000 in funding to open and operate these vital facilities.
The “Time to Act, Unstoppable” initiative is being implemented across 13 regions of Ukraine. The project received grant funding through a co-financing model, supported by the State Institution “All-Ukrainian Center for Physical Health ‘Sport for All’”, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine’s Presidential Program “Active Parks”, Fedir Spyg Foundation as well as the MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation under the MHP Standing Together Veterans Reintegration Program.
Veteran Training Marks the Start of the New Season
The launch of the new season of “Time to Act, Unstoppable” featured a veteran training session structured into three adaptive programs tailored to different levels of physical fitness. This personalized approach underscores the initiative’s commitment to comprehensive support and individualized rehabilitation.
“Sport is not just about physical activity — it is a powerful means of recovery, reintegration, and resilience. Adaptive clubs provide veterans with not only a place to train but also a renewed sense of belonging, teamwork, and community. This initiative is a significant step toward establishing a truly barrier-free environment in Ukraine — one where neither physical nor social barriers hinder those returning from war, individuals with disabilities, or anyone in need of support”,— Matviy Bidnyi, Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine
How to Apply for Grant Support
Applications for participation in the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” project are open until May 12, 2025. Eligible applicants include: public associations (CSOs, CFs), local governments, municipal enterprises, institutions and organizations, healthcare facilities, business entities (legal entities and individual entrepreneurs).
On June 26, 2025, the competition’s 20 winners will be announced, each receiving free professional training for trainers to enhance their skills. Both experienced trainers and veterans are encouraged to apply for the training program.
“The 15 adaptive clubs launched through last year’s “Time to Act, Unstoppable” competition have already become centers of support for veterans and their families — places where they can connect with fellow service members and maintain an active lifestyle. Given this success, the competition will continue this year, with funding available to co-finance 20 additional adaptive sports clubs under the Nestrymni initiative. The goal is to create more opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities to engage in physical activity, strengthen their bodies and minds, and integrate effectively into civilian life after returning from combat zones”,— Andrii Rebryna, Director of Sport for All
Regions Eligible to Participate
Organizations and individuals from the following 13 regions of Ukraine are eligible to apply: Vinnytsia, Volyn, Dnipropetrovs’k, Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Lviv, Poltava, Sumy, Ternopil, Khmelnytsky, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and the city of Kyiv. The project will run for six months, concluding in December 2025.
Selection Process for the Winners
The winners of the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” competition will be chosen based on several key criteria, including: the quality of the project and its potential impact, the availability of an appropriate space for the club, the qualifications and experience of the proposed coach. Additionally, the community’s proactivity and ability to mobilize around shared goals will be crucial in ensuring the club’s sustainability beyond the grant period.
“We systematically implement social initiatives across 136 territorial communities in Ukraine, providing support for military personnel, veterans, and their families through the MHP Standing Together program. Through our work, we’ve recognized that adaptive sports go beyond physical activity — they are a powerful tool for rehabilitation and reintegration. This belief shaped the foundation of the “Time to Act, Unstoppable” grant competition, which fosters the development of adaptive sports clubs in local communities. These clubs offer active-duty military personnel and veterans the opportunity to train for free, regain physical and mental strength, and find camaraderie among like-minded individuals”, – Pavlo Moroz, Director of the Corporate Social Responsibility Department, MHP
Who Can Access Adaptive Clubs for Free?
Each of the 20 adaptive sports clubs established through “Time to Act, Unstoppable” will receive up to UAH 600,000 in funding: UAH 200,000 provided by the state and a charitable foundation, UAH 200,000 contributed by the local community. These funds will cover essential operational costs, including facility renovations, sports equipment purchases, and the salary of an adaptive sports coach.
Through “Time to Act, Unstoppable”, sports are becoming more accessible to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Special emphasis is placed on training coaches, ensuring they receive specialized instruction from leading universities in physical culture. This collaboration equips professionals with modern rehabilitation techniques, enabling them to provide high-quality support for veterans and individuals transitioning back into civilian life. A compelling example comes from Kolomyia, Ivano-Frankivsk region, where an adaptive sports space is being developed by a veteran who personally underwent rehabilitation after injury and now works as a professional trainer”, – Oleksandr Pakholiuk, Director of MHP-Gromadi Charity Foundation
Applications for the competition can be submitted until May 12, 2025, via the official project website.https://nestrymni.sportforall.gov.ua/ The winners will be announced on June 26, 2025.
“When military personnel return home, they also return to their families, friends, and communities. “True gratitude from society is reflected in the accessibility of services and infrastructure that a veteran can use in his/her daily life. Gratitude loses meaning if it is only expressed through words and holidays. Concrete actions — through partnerships with communities, businesses, and the public sector — create a tangible expression of appreciation. Whether through veteran spaces, rehabilitation centers, adaptive facilities, or essential services, these efforts bring real impact. All of us supporting from the home front have limited time to build the necessary infrastructure for military personnel returning to civilian life, and support for veterans and their families. Increasing the availability and accessibility of adaptive spaces can significantly contribute to the development of Ukraine’s veteran community”,– Maria Lemberg, Director of the Fedir Spyg Foundation.