Adaptive Sports Training Event for Veterans in Odesa
An adaptive sports training event was held in Odesa to support veterans through physical activity.
The event took place at a local stadium and focused on promoting sports for veterans, creating a space for recovery and togetherness.
The main goal of the event was to increase awareness of adaptive sports as a rehabilitation and socialization tool for veterans.
Participants had the chance to engage in various activities, including wheelchair basketball, and join psychosocial support locations:
- creating crafts from modeling clay,
- assembling a ‘personal resources map’,
- board games and quizzes on mental health topics.
Adaptive sports are not just about physical activity; they represent a path to recovery and active life among peers.
Anna Velychko, the regional coordinator of the mental health program ‘How Are You?’ in Odesa, participated in the event and emphasized the importance of such initiatives for developing a culture of mental health in communities.
The event was organized by the NGO ‘Free Warriors’ with financial support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM Ukraine) as part of the ‘How Are You?’ program.
The coordination of the national mental health program ‘How Are You?’ initiated by the First Lady Olena Zelenska is supported by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the World Health Organization.
