Final Round of the Nationwide 'Strong Ukraine' Competition for Veterans and Military Personnel Held in Berdychiv

Concluding Stage of the "Strong Ukraine" Tournament Takes Place in Berdychiv

According to Рубрика: On September 5, 2026, the decisive phase of the all-Ukrainian "Strong Ukraine" competition was hosted in Berdychiv, Zhytomyr region. The event brought together 142 war veterans and active service members from across Ukraine. This tournament played a crucial role for participants, featuring adaptive strength events tailored to accommodate their physical capabilities, allowing them to showcase their athleticism in inclusive conditions.

Event Organization and Competition Structure

The event was coordinated by the Ukrainian Strongman Federation, the Berdychiv City Council, and the state institution "Agency of Mass Sports of Ukraine." The Investment Group BGV and the BGV Charity Foundation supported the event for the fourth year running, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to veteran athletics.

The competition program included several adaptive strength disciplines such as:

• "Strongfit" – a functional strongman contest with modified weights
• Team adaptive rowing on simulators over a 100-meter distance
• "Invastrong" relay race

Participants ranged from current military personnel to veterans, including strongmen serving in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The winners were awarded an off-road vehicle to be donated to a military unit, highlighting the practical value of the prizes for operational needs. Teams finishing second and third received generators as prizes. This event forms part of a broader movement to develop veteran sports in Ukraine amidst the ongoing full-scale war. Other initiatives supporting veteran integration include the "Unbreakable" half-marathons and the "Veteran Sport" program.

Notably, the BGV Foundation funds regional competition stages rather than individual athletes, reinforcing the importance of fostering team spirit and promoting veteran sports development across Ukraine. Fans can also back teenagers from military families and displaced communities during home games of FC Polissya at Zhytomyr's Central Stadium, through the charity zone "SviTI."

"The 'Strong Ukraine' competition stands as a powerful example of how sport can unite people and provide support during challenging times."

This event highlights the critical role of physical activity for veterans and illustrates how sports serve as a platform for social integration and support for Ukrainian servicemen and women. By adapting physical challenges to participants’ abilities, these competitions open new opportunities for veterans seeking to stay active and engaged within their communities. The growth of veteran sports in Ukraine amid wartime circumstances is significant not only for physical health but also for the psychological well-being of those involved.

The significance of events like the "Strong Ukraine" competition extends beyond athletic achievement, as they play a crucial role in fostering community support for veterans. Similar initiatives, such as the recent fundraising efforts aimed at providing essential resources for military personnel, highlight the ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of those who have served. Such programs are vital in promoting integration and support for veterans in society.