Ukrainian veterans and military personnel have achieved notable success so far at the Invictus Games in Canada, winning a total of 16 medals across five winter sports.
Their impressive medal haul includes six gold, five silver and five bronze medals, Ukrainian news website Babel reported.
The games, founded by British royal Prince Harry in 2014, are designed to help wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women on their way to recovery.
This year’s edition is being held in the western Canadian city of Vancouver and the nearby winter sport resort, Whistler.
They have also been joined by Danish royals Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, British daily The Express reported.
Volodymyr Marchenko secured the gold medal, Yaroslav Sharky claimed silver, and Valeriy Odaynyk took bronze, highlighting the team's exceptional performance, Babel reported.
“A wonderful idea that was born a few years ago - the Invictus Games - a competition for experienced veterans who also suffered as a result of this service,” Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said during a farewell ceremony for the departing Polish athletes.
One Polish competitor in particular made an impression, military website Wojsko Polskie said. It singled out 2nd Lt. Reserve Sebastian Starostka, who won the gold medal in downhill skiing.
The games began on February 8 and run until February 16, when a closing ceremony will take place.
This year’s edition is the first to offer winter sports, such as alpine skiing, snowboarding and biathlon. These feature alongside established disciplines such as swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.
Prince Harry was inspired to organize the Invictus Games following a visit to the Warrior Games in the U.S. in 2013. There, he witnessed firsthand how sports can aid both physical and psychological recovery, the Invictus Games Foundation website says.
The games’ website states that they aim for “those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury.” There is no official medal table, since the competition focuses on rehabilitation rather than sporting achievement.
The games, founded by British royal Prince Harry in 2014, are designed to help wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women on their way to recovery.
This year’s edition is being held in the western Canadian city of Vancouver and the nearby winter sport resort, Whistler.
Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have been present at the events, meeting and cheering on the competitors.Prince Harry approached the Ukrainian team at the Invictus Games and embraced our athletes 🥰 pic.twitter.com/jeuXSh80Uq
— Devana 🇺🇦 (@DevanaUkraine) February 9, 2025
They have also been joined by Danish royals Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, British daily The Express reported.
Ukrainian competitors dominated the cross-country skiing event, sweeping the podium.💙💛 Invictus Games 2025.
— Natalka (@NatalkaKyiv) February 9, 2025
Team Ukraine!
Please share!
The Invictus Games is a multi-sport event for injured and sick servicemen and veterans from around the world. pic.twitter.com/GTSGqxyMxO
Volodymyr Marchenko secured the gold medal, Yaroslav Sharky claimed silver, and Valeriy Odaynyk took bronze, highlighting the team's exceptional performance, Babel reported.
There are 19 Polish military veterans also competing, with experience in military missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, according to a report by state broadcaster, Polskie Radio.Prince Harry helping Ukrainian veteran Oleksii Prytula before his start during the Invictus Games pic.twitter.com/t5uPfkLlI0
— In Ukraine (@InUKRofficial) February 13, 2025
“A wonderful idea that was born a few years ago - the Invictus Games - a competition for experienced veterans who also suffered as a result of this service,” Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said during a farewell ceremony for the departing Polish athletes.
One Polish competitor in particular made an impression, military website Wojsko Polskie said. It singled out 2nd Lt. Reserve Sebastian Starostka, who won the gold medal in downhill skiing.
Winter sports making their debut
The games began on February 8 and run until February 16, when a closing ceremony will take place.
This year’s edition is the first to offer winter sports, such as alpine skiing, snowboarding and biathlon. These feature alongside established disciplines such as swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.
Prince Harry was inspired to organize the Invictus Games following a visit to the Warrior Games in the U.S. in 2013. There, he witnessed firsthand how sports can aid both physical and psychological recovery, the Invictus Games Foundation website says.
The games’ website states that they aim for “those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury.” There is no official medal table, since the competition focuses on rehabilitation rather than sporting achievement.
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