The Ukrainian national veterans team is set to participate in the annual sports trials for wounded military personnel in the USA from February 20 to March 3.

These competitions, known as the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials, serve as qualifiers for teams that represent the US at the Warrior Games — an international event uniting various military branches.

While Ukrainian athletes will not compete for spots at the Warrior Games, they have been invited as an international team to elevate the competition and foster experience exchange in veteran sports. Teams from Canada, Australia, and the UK will also participate. The Ukrainian team comprises 15 athletes competing in 11 sports.

Among the participants is Valeriy Stalnichenko, a veteran from Odesa, who will compete in basketball, rugby, volleyball, and archery.

The format of the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials is designed around adaptive sports, ensuring fair and safe competition for all participants.

Every year, the trials take place at different military bases across the USA. In 2024, the Ukrainian team previously participated in the Trials in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone in the team's development.

Athletes will compete in the following disciplines:

• wheelchair basketball,
• wheelchair rugby,
• sitting volleyball,
• archery,
• rowing on ergometers,
• athletics,
• powerlifting,
• cycling,
• swimming,
• rifle shooting — a new and particularly interesting discipline for our team.

Through such formats, veteran sports become a sustainable support system that respects the experiences and strength of those who defended Ukraine. The formation and participation of the Ukrainian team is managed by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in collaboration with the initiative “Come Back Alive,” as part of the implementation of the national strategy for creating an inclusive environment.