ISAR Ednannia with the Come Back Alive Initiative Center discussed strengthening veteran civil society organizations (CSOs) at the Adaptive Sports for Veterans dialogue platform. Leaders of veteran and pro-veteran CSOs, along with representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Kyiv City State Administration, participated in the discussion.
The meeting addressed issues related to the development of adaptive sports for veterans, explored solutions to existing challenges, and opportunities for engaging the veteran community through sports, and defined the role of CSOs in this area.
Adaptive sports include recreational or competitive sports for individuals with injuries, wounds, or illnesses that affect their physical and mental well-being. These sports help people reduce stress, improve quality of life, build community with like-minded peers, facilitate faster rehabilitation, restore self-confidence, and educate society to avoid stigmatization of those returning from war.
Following the meeting, a guideline for veteran organizations working in adaptive sports for war veterans will be developed. This guide will include methodological recommendations and contact information for collaboration. It will be valuable for organizations just starting as well as for those with years of experience seeking to strengthen their capacity.
This event marks an important step in scaling up collaboration between veteran organizations and the government to develop adaptive sports in Ukraine.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the Ukraine Civil Society Sectoral Support Activity implemented by ISAR Ednannia in partnership with the Ukrainian Center of Independent Political Research (UCIPR) and Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM).
