On October 28, 2026, the Third Ukrainian Adaptive Football Conference, organized by the Shakhtar Social platform, took place in Lviv. The large-scale event brought together about 70 key representatives from the sports community, public organizations, the commercial sector, medical rehabilitation sphere, and international partners to discuss pressing issues regarding veteran integration.
Development of Adaptive Sport as a Sustainable Support System
The main focus of the discussions was transforming adaptive football from one-off social initiatives into a full-fledged, sustainable support system for individuals who sustained severe injuries and amputations as a result of hostilities. Participants analyzed international practical experience, opportunities for involving children with disabilities in regular sports activities, and the organization of the national amputee football championship. Special attention was paid to the synergy of efforts between football clubs, non-profit organizations, and rehabilitation centers.
Psychological Reintegration of Veterans and the Role of Team Interaction
During panel discussions, experts emphasized the successful reintegration of male and female veterans into civilian life through team sports. Yuriy Sviridov, Director of the Strategic Initiatives Department at FC Shakhtar, highlighted the utmost importance of popularizing amputee football amid the ongoing war. According to him, creating accessible sports infrastructure allows people with amputations to gain confidence, return to active public life, and maintain physical fitness.
International Partnership and Project Scaling
Foreign experts actively joined the conference, sharing successful cases of cooperation. Natasia Westmo, Project Manager at the Danish organization FANT, spoke about joint initiatives with Shakhtar Social that are already being implemented in Chernihiv and Mykolaiv. The international organization's representative stressed that the parties are constantly improving their social rehabilitation methodology and plan to significantly expand the geography of joint programs.
Significance of the Initiative for the Future of Ukrainian Society
The conference held in Lviv demonstrated that adaptive football in current Ukrainian realities performs a much broader function than just a sports discipline. It acts as an effective tool for comprehensive physical and psychological recovery, facilitating deep socialization and the return of citizens to a full, active life. The further success of this direction depends on the coordinated and systematic work of all interested state, business, and civil society institutions.
