MainНовиниRecreational Therapy: A New Stage in the Development of Veteran Rehabilitation within the MHP Standing Together Program
Recreational Therapy: A New Stage in the Development of Veteran Rehabilitation within the MHP Standing Together Program
Ukraine has begun introducing recreational therapy — a modern rehabilitation approach for service members and veterans that combines physical activity, psychological support, and teamwork.
On November 2, the city of Zolochiv hosted a practical event called “Territory of Recovery”, which demonstrated how adaptive sports can become part of the therapeutic process.
The initiative is implemented within the “Vidnovleni” (Recovered) project — a joint effort by MHP and the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) as part of the MHP Standing Together program to support service members, veterans, and their families.
The event brought together veterans undergoing rehabilitation at the Zolochiv Hospital and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Hospital, as well as rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, representatives of local authorities, businesses, and NGOs.
It was organized as a therapeutic practice aimed at helping participants restore physical activity, focus, and self-confidence. Veterans took part in various activities such as archery, table tennis, adaptive golf, boccia, wheelchair basketball, boxing, para-biathlon, and weightlifting.
Among the coaches was Volodymyr Baikovets, a veteran who lost his arm in service and, after rehabilitation at the Kyiv MIA Medical Center, returned to active life. He now works as a Veteran Community Development Manager at the KSE Veterans Office.
“Recreational therapy is an effective approach that helps in recovery after injury. It strengthens the body, builds discipline, and stabilizes emotional balance. During my own rehabilitation, I saw firsthand how well this method works.”
Recreational Therapy as an Evidence-Based Approach
Recreational therapy is a well-established practice used in military hospitals in the United States, Canada, and Israelto support the recovery of veterans and people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The method is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine and neuroplasticity: participation in physical and team activities helps reduce anxiety, improve coordination, and build a sense of control and motivation.
“Recreational therapy helps veterans return to active life more quickly. Physical recovery, psychological support, education, and professional adaptation must happen in coordination. Only then can we create a real support system — one where a person is not left alone with their experience. Such practices lay the foundation for a mature veteran policy in Ukraine.”
A Systemic Approach
The introduction of recreational therapy within the Vidnovleni project will become part of a long-term program for developing rehabilitation medicine in local communities.
Following the Zolochiv event, training sessions for rehabilitation teams are planned across regions — including education for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and the creation of local practice groups.
“Our goal is not only to demonstrate a new recovery format but also to train local teams to apply it. Ukrainian communities need sustainable rehabilitation solutions, which is why we are integrating recreational therapy into the broader system of veteran support.”
The project aims to create a Ukrainian model where medical, social, and psychological support are united into a single system.
It represents a step toward European standards of rehabilitation — with Ukrainian meaning, practical implementation, and real solutions for those returning to civilian life after service.