Physical and mental recovery for veterans: Inside the adaptive sports training of the “MHP Poruch” program
More than 50 soldiers and veterans who were injured during combat have recently participated in adaptive sports training in Myronivka. The event featured a variety of activities, including archery, wheelchair basketball, handbiking, and rowing on a machine. These sessions were conducted by champions from national and international competitions.
Among the trainers was Volodymyr Moisei, a powerlifter renowned for setting a Ukrainian record by lifting a 260-kilogram barbell with one hand. Hailing from the temporarily occupied Berdiansk in the Zaporizhzhia region, Moisey has been competing professionally for eight years, three of which have been with a disability. Despite losing an arm in a car accident in 2019, Moisei has continued to excel in sports.
“If you can’t change the circumstances, change your attitude towards them,” says Volodymyr Moisei. “I aim to demonstrate not just strength but an unbreakable spirit and determination, proving that disability is not a sentence. I hope to inspire a shift in how society views people with disabilities after the war. My goal is to set an example.”
At the sports training session, Moisei showcased his ability to lift a 200-kilogram barbell with one hand. “This is something everyone can achieve. Many people who face similar traumatic experiences ask, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ The real question is, ‘What can I do with this?’ Our world needs genuine change, and individuals like us can drive that transformation. We must offer support and encouragement, helping them become strong athletes, parents, and individuals. This is the reason why everyone stands guard for our country.”
Trainers highlight that adaptive sports are essential for the rehabilitation of soldiers, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. These activities not only boost physical health by strengthening muscles and bones but also enhance cardiovascular function and overall fitness. Engaging in sports can also improve social interaction, help overcome physical and psychological challenges, restore self-confidence, and inspire new goals and motivations.
Andriy Kucher, a veteran and head of the NGO “Union of the Wounded Military of Ukraine ‘Strong 300’,” explains, “Reaching milestones and winning medals helps veterans find motivation, not just in sports but in their daily lives. By integrating injured military personnel into sports and veteran communities, we ensure the safety of their families and local communities. That’s why my project, ‘VetSport – Into Communities!’ focuses on visiting local communities, as this is where national veteran policies begin. We provide inclusive equipment, introduce inclusive sports, and share our experiences.”
The sports event held in Myronivka was organized by the NGO “Union of the Wounded Military of Ukraine ‘Strong 300’” and the Charitable Foundation “MHP-Gromadi,” with support from the “MHP Poruch” reintegration program for military personnel and veterans.
Valentyna Vedrovska, a veteran and Regional Development Manager at MHP, said, “The ‘MHP Poruch’ program aims to provide opportunities for both physical and mental recovery, as well as social integration. Adaptive sports training is particularly beneficial in this context, as it not only supports physical rehabilitation but also helps build a strong veteran community. It facilitates interaction, collaboration, and mutual support between veterans and other community members.”
It was symbolic that the event took place in the newly renovated sports and wellness complex on its opening day.
Dmytro Zhukotansky, First Deputy Mayor of Myronivka, stated, “The reintegration of our soldiers is a collective challenge for all segments of society: families, communities, authorities, and businesses. We rely on the support of socially responsible partners. Thanks to MHP, adaptive sports training is being conducted in various communities across the country. Today’s event in Myronivka sees the participation of more than 50 veterans from the Myronivka community.”
About ‘MHP Poruch’
The ‘MHP Poruch’ program provides individual support and comprehensive assistance to military personnel, veterans, and their families. It targets employees and residents in communities where MHP operates. Since February 24, 2022, over 3 000 MHP employees have left their offices, production sites, and fields to serve in the war, representing more than 10% of the workforce with military experience. Nearly 400 veterans have since returned to work.
MHP was one of the first companies in Ukraine to offer extensive and systematic support for soldiers and their families, including legal and psychological assistance, medical treatment and rehabilitation, professional retraining, and social integration. The program now focuses on supporting veteran spaces, communities, and adaptive sports for the rehabilitation and reintegration of our warriors.