Zelensky played table tennis and lifted weights at the veterans' competition

Meeting of the President of Ukraine with the participants of the sports competition

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: In Ivano-Frankivsk, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with the participants of the sports competition "Will to Live", among whom are soldiers, veterans, and people with disabilities. This competition includes 8 types of sports, among which:

• table tennis
• archery
• darts
• throwing a ball into the basketball hoop
• exercises on a rowing concept
• snatch and clean and jerk with kettlebells
• static weight hold
• barbell press

During the event, Volodymyr Zelensky actively participated in the competitions: he played table tennis, lifted weights, and shot arrows. The director of the facility where the competitions took place spoke about the development of sports in the region and the involvement of the veteran community in physical and psychological rehabilitation. In addition, the President signed the battle flags of the sports brigades, which became a symbolic gesture of support.

Gift from the Artist

As part of the event, the artist Vasyl Semko presented Zelensky with a wooden panel depicting Saint Nicholas as a military chaplain. This panel was created after Semko's participation in the defense of Avdiivka as part of the 110th separate mechanized brigade named after General Horunzhy Mark Bezruchko. An article about this event was published on August 13, 2026.

The "Will to Live" competition emphasizes the importance of physical activity for people with disabilities, veterans, and military personnel. Such events not only contribute to rehabilitation but also boost the morale of participants, demonstrating that sports can be a powerful tool for overcoming life's difficulties and social integration. The President's presence at such events also indicates government support for sports and the veteran community in Ukraine.