Ukrainian national team wins record 188 medals at Arnold Classic Europe in Spain
Photo: Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
The Arnold Classic Europe, an international sports competition for war veterans and wounded service members, concluded in Spain. The Ukrainian national team participated for the first time and achieved 188 medals, including 84 gold, 58 silver, and 46 bronze.
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine reported that.
Representatives from five countries participated in the tournament (in addition to Ukraine, veterans from the United States, Estonia, Ireland, and the Netherlands). They competed in the following disciplines: bench press, air bike, rowing on a simulator, and kettlebell jerk.
On October 16, Ukraine's national team returned to their home country. When they arrived, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Nataliia Kalmykova, and her deputy, Ruslan Pryhodko, greeted them.
The head of the Ministry of Veterans congratulated the team on their high sporting achievements and honored the veterans with commemorative signs.
"Thank you for the fact that you represented Ukraine in international competitions and won. Each of you represented in the international arena the willpower of Ukrainians and our desire to win. I hope that your example will be an impetus for others and that more and more veterans will join sports. The Ministry of Veterans has developed and is in the process of agreeing with the ministries, which will provide monthly targeted financial assistance that can be used for classes in sports halls. You should know that the Ministry of Veterans will do everything possible to help you realize your self-realization," Nataliia Kalmykova stressed.
Photo: Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
The Minister also awarded departmental letters of commendation and medals to the participants of the national team of Ukraine: Oleksandr Alifirov, Mykhailo Budyka, Vasyl Buriak, Vitalii Veres, Nazar Vozniuk, Illia Haiduk, Armen Harybian, Ilona Derelo, Oleksandr Doroshenko, Yevhenia Doroshko, Mykhailo Drobotenko, Serhii Dubov, Mykola Zaritskyi, Tetiana Zvedeniuk, Mykola Ivka, Andrii Kazaryn, Serhii Kalytiuk, Yana Kapusta, Serhii Kiyashko, Volodymyr Klimov, Serhii Koshelnikov, Viktor Lehkodukh, Artem Marchenko, Rodion Merchanskyi, Roman Meshcheriakov, Serhii Mytsyk, Oleh Morhun, Serhii Nahliy, Andrii Nesterenko, Yevheniy Omelchuk, Roman Panchenko, Yevheniy Parshakov, Eduard Petriyev, Rustam Rosul, Eduard Saienko, Taras Sasovsky, Illia Sylenko, Yevhen Smaha, Serhii Stratichuk, Ruslan Sumin, Roman Tanaisichuk, Ihor Tarhonsky, Serhii Tarnavsky, Oleksandr Tolochenko, Ihor Troian, Yevhen Fedoseienko, Yaroslav Finohenov, Artem Hrebet, Vladyslav Shatil and Andrii Yakubenko.
Photo: Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
The Arnold Classic Europe international sports competition lasted from October 11 to 13. The Ukrainian national team participated in these competitions for the first time and became one of the largest – 50 war veterans and military personnel. They competed in the following disciplines: bench press, air bike, rowing on a simulator, kettlebell jerk, and others.
Photo: Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
The involvement of Ukrainian veterans in Arnold Classic Europe plays a crucial role in the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine's approach to physical and mental rehabilitation. This strategy helps injured veterans and service members to regain an active lifestyle through sports.
Photo: Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
It is implemented as part of the Project of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, "Development of Sports for Veterans," within the framework of the National Strategy for the Creation of a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine. The strategy was developed at the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska.
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