Bukovel supports international veterans’ competition in Austria
Around 150 veterans came together in Semmering, Austria, for the third edition of the Strong Spirit’s Games. The international competition brings together people who have sustained combat injuries and found new opportunities through sport.
This year’s tournament welcomed participants from five countries: Ukraine, the USA, Ireland, Estonia and Bahrain. Across the competition, athletes achieved a total of 355 podium finishes. The Ukrainian national team delivered an exceptional performance, finishing first in the overall standings with 242 medals:
- 155 gold medals;
- 72 silver medals;
- 15 bronze medals.
The event in Semmering also marked another step in the sporting partnership between the Austrian mountain resort and Bukovel. Both destinations continue to invest in infrastructure and facilities capable of hosting major sporting events, while supporting the development of professional and adaptive sport alike.
Participants competed in a range of adaptive disciplines, including bench press, rowing, air bike and kettlebell snatch. All events at the Strong Spirit’s Games are adapted to the athletes’ needs, and participants shared positive feedback about their experience.
"Hosting an event like this is an incredible experience for Semmering. While Bukovel is regarded as the capital of European sport, Semmering is the sporting capital of Lower Austria. Every two years, we host the Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup here. Now we have another major sporting event – a veterans’ tournament organised in cooperation with the Strongman Federation of Ukraine. We have always believed in investing in sport and encouraging more people to take part. Through our partnership with Bukovel, Semmering will do everything it can to bring more competitions like this to life, attract larger audiences and help these events gain recognition not only in Ukraine but across Europe," said Zakhar Palytsia, owner of Bukovel and Semmering ski resorts.
Among the competitors was our colleague Mykhailo Nalyvaiko, Bukovel Resort’s Inclusion and Veteran Policy Coordinator.
"Adaptive sport and sporting competitions for veterans are absolutely essential, particularly at this level. They help veterans and people with disabilities rebuild their lives after injury, supporting social integration, psychological and physical recovery, and the opportunity to form new connections that can contribute to personal growth. The event was organised to an excellent standard, and I thoroughly enjoyed taking part. Meeting so many veterans from other countries made it a particularly interesting and valuable experience. I also managed to win three gold medals myself. Competitions like these encourage people to keep moving forward, continue developing and recognise that even a severe injury does not mean the end of an active and fulfilling life," Mykhailo reflected.
Alongside the international adaptive sports competition, Semmering hosted the European Strongman Championship. A total of 45 strongmen representing 15 countries competed for the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious B.E.S.T. 2027 tournament, scheduled to take place in Bukovel in June 2027.
P.S. We are proud of our colleague Mykhailo Nalyvaiko, who brought home three gold medals from the competition, earned in bench press, rowing and air bike!