Valor of the Invincible. The Ukrainian strongman team cup for veterans held in family format in Kaniv

16 january 2025,

The inclusive competition Valor of the Invincible was held in Kaniv, bringing together more than 50 war veterans and military personnel from across the country. The participants competed in four disciplines: bench press, rowing on an ergometer, air bike, and kettlebell snatch. For the third time this year, the event was supported by MHP in partnership with the Strongman Federation of Ukraine NGO as part of the MHP Poruch reintegration program for veterans and military personnel.

Ivan Kramarenko, a veteran from Kaniv, participated in this type of competitions for the first time. A former machine gunner with the Third Assault Brigade, he sustained severe injuries while defending Avdiivka, he was seriously wounded and underwent an extended period of rehabilitation. “Sports have come in handy for me,” Ivan Kramarenko shared.

There should be some sports in every person’s life, especially for veterans like me who are recovering. After my injury, proper physical exercise played a crucial role in my rehabilitation. It also gave me moral support and brought a sense of positivity.

Ivan Kramarenko, a veteran

By the way, Ivan’s team, the SportIrbis, ended in an honorable 6th place out of 18. Meanwhile, Kaniv resident Yevheniy Rudenko attended the “Valor of the Invincible” competition for the second time. In the summer, he participated in a tournament held in Cherkasy. He was among the first to stand in defence of Ukraine. In 2014, as a member of the 80th Lviv Assault Brigade, he helped liberate Slovyansk and Kramatorsk and Sloviansk and held the line in the Luhansk sector. Following a severe injury, he lost his right arm.

 I like the atmosphere and positive energy at these events. What is more, there are many people here who have been through similar experiences as I have. It is about unity and the sense of belonging to a veteran community. Sport is one of the best rehabilitation methods. For those who feel lost after the war, it truly can be a lifeline. I know this from my own experience.

Yevheniy Rudenko, a participant in Valor of the Invincible

Vasyl Virastiuk, the world strongman champion, took on the role of chief judge at the competition held in Kaniv.

Nowadays, we are trying to hold competitions not only in major cities but also in small communities so that local veterans may participate. There were certain challenges with logistics and the fact that our country is not “barrier-free”. However, there proved to be no real obstacle. The main challenge for a veteran’s mental health is to find a powerful incentive to leave the house and get back to active life. Which is our main objective and mission.

  Serhiy Koniushok, president of the Strongman Federation of Ukraine NGO 

Initiatives such as the Valor of the Invincible prove the benefits of sport for recovery, integration, and motivation. They namely encourage veterans to set new goals and achieve these while feeling support. For the first time, this competition was held in the family format in Kaniv, with veterans attending alongside their families and friends, who not only supported and cheered but also participated in various workshops.

Tetiana Volochay, head of the Community Development Council at the MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation

Veterans are gradually returning to the enterprise and communities, and our shared responsibility is to create environment where they can feel comfortable and get proper means for reintegration. Therefore, we support the development of adaptive sports in the Kaniv region through tangible actions, such as helping to organize training sessions and supporting the creation of useful locations. As an example, MHP grant projects allowed modern adaptive sports clubs to be opened in Stepantsi and Kaniv recently.

Serhiy Radko, Director of the Poultry Processing Complex, Myronivska Poultry Farm

As a result, the competition bronze medalists were the Strong in Spirit team (Rivne), the second place was taken by the members of the Shturmovy Dnipro (Cherkasy), and the first place went to the Heart of Azovstal team from Mariupol.

Valor of the Invincible united not only veterans but also their families in Kaniv. More than 100 children participated in creative workshops on clay modeling, soap making, and crafting Christmas candles and amulets. And in the end, everyone enjoyed a traditional dish Cossack kulish by a veteran Yuriy Hrytsai.