The creation of this team has become an important event in the development of veterans’ policy and the implementation of physical and psychological rehabilitation programs for Ukraine’s defenders within the Ministry of Internal Affairs system.

The event brought together war veterans, representatives of the MIA, the educational and sports community, and representatives of the civil sector. It was attended by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Inna Yashchuk, the Executive Director of the “Chasha Myloserdya” Charitable Foundation Oleksandr Herasymenko, Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine on Veterans’ Policy Dmytro Finashyn, Director of the Department of Education, Science and Sports of the MIA Oleksandr Tarasenko, as well as the Acting Rector of Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs Ihor Mahdalina.

With a welcoming speech to the participants, the State Secretary of the MIA Inna Yashchuk addressed the participants, emphasizing the symbolism and significance of this event for the entire MIA system:

“Today we are celebrating the birthday of the first adaptive basketball team in the MIA system. This is a victory over fears, doubts and limitations. You have chosen to move forward, chosen a team and are an example that the power of unity is the power of the entire Ukraine. I believe that great victories await you ahead, including on the international arena,” – noted Inna Yashchuk.

The “Veterans’ Bask” team includes war veterans – defenders of Ukraine who participated in combat operations on various fronts, sustained injuries and chose sports as a path to recovery, self-realization and return to active life. The team is formed of two line-ups and unites players who combine sports training with studies, work and active participation in veterans’ programs of Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs. During the event, a friendly match was held between the first and second line-ups of the team.

First team line-up

● Viacheslav Panin – team captain, participant in combat operations on the Kharkiv direction, received shrapnel wounds. Works and studies in the specialty “Psychology” at DSUIA.

● Ivan Zmiyevskyi – defender of Ukraine, participated in combat operations on the Donetsk direction as part of the “REYD” brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, has injuries.

● Artem Formalov – serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, participant in combat operations on the Donetsk direction, received severe gunshot wounds. Works and studies in the specialty “Law” at DSUIA.

● Oleh Sakhnov – defender of Ukraine, served in anti-aircraft missile-artillery divisions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, received injuries. Winner of the all-Ukrainian competitions among veterans “Na khvyli” in adaptive basketball.

● Denys Skaleukh – participant in combat operations on the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia directions as part of the 132nd separate reconnaissance battalion, has injuries. Advisor to the Head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on veterans’ policy.

Second team line-up:

● Oleksandr Hryshchuk – defender of Ukraine, participant in combat operations as part of the 93rd brigade, 2nd rifle battalion, received shrapnel wounds. Candidate for Master of Sports in freestyle wrestling, has coaching experience.

● Serhii Kyrychenko – serviceman, participated in combat operations on the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia directions as part of the 231st battalion of the 128th separate brigade, received injuries.

● Yevhen Ratkov – defender of Ukraine, participant in combat operations as part of the 128th brigade of territorial defense, received injury during the performance of combat tasks.

● Serhii Shtym – serviceman of the 93rd separate mechanized brigade, participant in combat operations on the Donetsk direction, has injuries.

● Bohdan Demchenko – defender of Ukraine, participated in combat operations on the Donetsk and Kherson directions as part of the 53rd separate mechanized brigade, received injuries. Works and studies in the specialty “Law” at DSUIA.

Kseniia Afanasieva – coach of the “Veterans’ Bask” team, Master of Sports of Ukraine in basketball, sports instructor of “Ukrtsentr Invasport” and rehabilitologist who accompanies veterans on the path of recovery and sports achievements.

The first line-up of the team won the friendly match with a score of 6:2.

After the match, the veterans demonstrated to the audience exercises from kettlebell lifting, adaptive sambo and pétanque, and a accuracy contest was organized for the spectators.

An important component of the event was the support of partners who joined the development of adaptive sports. The “Chasha Myloserdya” Charitable Foundation handed over to the team specialized adaptive sports wheelchairs for playing basketball, which will significantly expand the possibilities of the training process and the team’s participation in competitions of various levels.

The representative of the foundation Oleksandr Herasymenko emphasized that such assistance is not just material support, but a conscious contribution to the rehabilitation of veterans:

“The transfer of specialized sports wheelchairs is a sign of trust, faith and deep respect for the strength of spirit of Ukrainian warriors. For us, this is not just help to a sports project, but service to those who paid the highest price for the freedom of Ukraine. Looking at you, it is impossible to stop – you inspire us to continue the work that helps Ukraine to stand and win. You are warriors of light, goodness and justice, an example of unbreakable spirit for the whole world.”

On behalf of the team, the captain Viacheslav Panin spoke with words of gratitude, emphasizing that sports have become an effective tool of recovery and return to active life for many veterans.

“Our team will continue to develop. Adaptive sports help a lot. Playing in wheelchairs, we forget about difficulties, feel team spirit and gain new strength. Every match, every training session for us is not just sports, it is a path to recovery, unity and victories,” – noted Viacheslav Panin.

The “Veterans’ Bask” team has shown that together any difficulties can be overcome, and sports become a powerful tool for recovery and self-realization.

Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs is one of the key institutions that ensures the practical implementation of veterans’ policy in the field of education and sports in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. On the basis of the university, conditions are systematically created for combining studies, professional activities and sports rehabilitation of veterans, which contributes to their social adaptation, professional development and involvement in active public life.

Based on the materials of the Department of Communications of the MIA