MainНовиниValor of the Unconquered: Veterans from Across Ukraine Compete in Inclusive Strongman Event in Baryshivka, Kyiv Region
Valor of the Unconquered: Veterans from Across Ukraine Compete in Inclusive Strongman Event in Baryshivka, Kyiv Region
On May 17, the Baryshivka community in Kyiv region hosted the second stage of the inclusive competition, Team Cup of Ukraine Among Strongman Veterans – Valor of the Unconquered. The event welcomed over 150 participants from across Ukraine, including war veterans, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. Among them were two teams representing MHP. Competitors showcased their strength in disciplines such as rowing on the Concept-2 simulator (100 meters and 100 seconds) and strongman/invastron challenges.
The competition was organized by MHP-Agro-C and MHP-Starynska Poultry Farm, in collaboration with the Strongman Federation of Ukraine and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, under the MHP Standing Together program, which supports military personnel and veterans. The media partner of the event was Boryspil International Airport.
Presiding over the competition was Vasyl Virastiuk, world strongman champion, honorary president of the CSO Strongman Federation of Ukraine, and holder of the title World’s Strongest Man. “This day proved that our defenders can be role models not only on the battlefield but also in sports competitions.
The most important people in the heart of Baryshivka today are you. No one wins like you do! No one laughs like you do! No one supports each other like you do. I am sure that we are at the beginning of a steady path of development for sports rehabilitation for war veterans in Ukraine.”
The MHP Standing Together program, under which the event was held, has been in operation at MHP for over two years. Its goal is comprehensive support for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Currently, this program is focused on promoting the development of veteran communities.
“We believe that Ukraine’s strength lies in its people. For MHP, supporting our military personnel, veterans, and their families means creating opportunities, offering assistance, and implementing impactful initiatives together. A true partnership between business, government, and communities enables us to achieve greater goals. Valor of the Unconquered inclusive competition is a testament to how sports facilitate recovery and reintegration. It is part of our ongoing efforts under the MHP Standing Together program, which supports defenders throughout their journey—from service to civilian life.”
Veteran Yuriy Yaremenko, who worked as a loader at MHP-Starynska Poultry Farm before the full-scale war, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2023 and was wounded in the Bakhmut sector. After five months of rehabilitation, he returned to civilian life and now works as a gym instructor. For Yuriy, Valor of the Unconquered is not a new experience — he has already competed in events in Ternopil, Cherkasy, Lviv, and Horodenka.
“For me, these events serve as a form of rehabilitation — both physical and emotional. Here, we experience support, understanding, and respect. The opportunity to step into the arena, embrace the spirit of competition, and share experiences is invaluable. After my injury, I never imagined that sports would become such an essential part of my recovery. Thanks to the encouragement of doctors, friends, and family, I was able to recover my strength and return to an active life. The competitions organized by MHP have opened new doors for me —helping me grow physically, regain confidence, and feel the camaraderie of a team. Valor of the Unconquered is a significant milestone on my journey to a renewed myself.”
In the 100-meter rowing competition, the following teams secured victory: Male veterans – Kord; Amateur veterans – Team Spirit; Male military – SES Firefighters; Mixed military – Kyiv Region Lights. In the 100-second rowing event, the winners were: Male veterans – Northern Outpost; Amateur veterans – Cossack Spirit; Male military – Ideini Kulchyky; Mixed military – Kyiv Region Lights. In the strongman/invastrong discipline, the top teams were: Male veterans – Kord; Male military – Kozatska Rada+.
“Our federation launched the veteran sports movement in 2022, and each year we see just how vital it is. Sports rehabilitate, motivate, and unite. Many participants take their first steps toward regaining confidence in their strength through these competitions — in weightlifting and kettlebell training. My team and I are dedicated to developing this field, ensuring that tournaments are held systematically with ranking grids, national finals preparation, and international representation. Thanks to our partnership with MHP, we are organizing five major events across different regions this year. Baryshivka marks the second stage, and it has already proven to be an impactful and powerful competition.”
At the conclusion of the event, a solemn award ceremony celebrated all participants, who received special gifts, while winners were honored with medals and accolades.
During Valor of the Unconquered, a charity fundraiser was organized to support the 136th Battalion of the 114th Separate TDF Brigade by raising funds for the Lucky Strike unmanned aerial vehicle system.