A large-scale event «Strong men of Ukraine» in Kropyvnytskyi united the regional veteran forum and all-Ukrainian adaptive sports competitions, bringing together more than 320 veterans, military personnel, rehabilitation specialists and government representatives.
The Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs was represented by Vice-Rector Ruslan Vradii, Rector’s Assistant for Work with Veterans Anton Doroshenko, Head of the Department of Special Physical Training Ihor Shostak, and Lecturer of the Department of Tactical and Special Training and Personal Security of Police Dmytro Chernolutskyi.
One of the speakers at the forum, Ihor Shostak, spoke about his three-year experience of work with veterans within the framework of the project of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine «Friendly Support». He emphasized that personal contact is a key factor: for two years now, the University graduates have been helping wounded soldiers in hospitals, conducting joint training with rehabilitation specialists. The result of such support was two joint Ukrainian records in deadlift and bench press, set by veterans together with cadets.
During the conference, the participants also discussed the development of inclusive sports infrastructure in the region, creation of accessible locations for adaptive training, interaction of educational institutions with territorial communities in implementing veteran programs, and information campaigns to involve veterans in educational and sports initiatives.
The University’s participation in the «Strong men of Ukraine» forum demonstrates its role as a responsible partner of the state and community, which provides veterans not only with the opportunity to get education, but also with comprehensive support for a confident return to active life.
