In Las Vegas, the international sports competition, United States Air Force Trials 2024, among war veterans and injured military personnel, has finished. The Ukrainian national team achieved a record-breaking 76 medals: 44 gold, 20 silver, and 12 bronze. The majority of these medals were won in swimming and rowing competitions.
According to the Acting Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Oleksandr Porhun, participation in such events is important not only as a sporting event but also as a powerful form of veteran diplomacy and an indicator of our national resilience.
"It is our way of telling the world that the Ukrainian people are strong in spirit, unyielding, and ready for new victories. We are proud of every veteran who continues the fight on the world's sports arenas. Sports rehabilitation is one of the priority areas that the Ministry of Veterans Affairs will continue to develop. Sincere thanks to our partners who support us in this important mission. Your support is invaluable, and together we are doing a great job, demonstrating the strength of spirit and unity in the struggle for our future," emphasized Oleksandr Porhun.
For the Ukrainian team, the competitive days were very intense and filled with support from veterans from other countries, noted Yuriy Haponchuk, the captain of the Ukrainian National Team.
"The competition in Las Vegas was something incredible and unforgettable for me personally! Each participant gained great experience and confidence. No one expected us to win so many medals. I want to thank all the coaches who made us a team. Sport is an example for those who have been injured and do not understand how to proceed. I also express my gratitude to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and all the organizers who provided us with the opportunity to represent Ukraine on the international sports arena. For us, it was also a way to remind the world about Ukraine and bring our victory closer," emphasized Yuriy Haponchuk.
The United States Air Force Trials 2024 lasted from March 8th to March 14th, with the participation of 30 Ukrainian veterans and servicemen with injuries, at the invitation of the United States Air Force and with organizational support from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. They competed in 11 adaptive sports: swimming, cycling, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby, archery, powerlifting, track and field, shot put/discus throw, rowing, and shooting.
