Stand With Ukraine was present this Saturday in Kryvyï Rih, Ukraine, for the pétanque tournament held as part of the Veterans Family Games 2025.
This friendly sports event brought together over 200 Ukrainian veterans and their families for inclusive activities: pétanque tournament, archery, art exhibitions, conferences, educational workshops…
In this industrial city in central Ukraine — the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska — pétanque, a quintessentially French sport, is becoming a tool for social reintegration and community rebuilding.
Accessible to all, pétanque stands out for its simple rules and inclusive nature. Regardless of age, gender, or war-related injuries, everyone can participate and rediscover connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
With tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers wounded since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the need for inclusion programs, psychological support, and rehabilitation is immense.
Local initiatives like the Veterans Family Games play a crucial role in this human recovery, creating spaces for sharing and solidarity.
A big round of applause to all the partners behind this wonderful initiative: Rotary Club Kyiv International, the municipality of Kryvyï Rih, the Ukrainian Pétanque Federation, the Kryvyï Rih Youth Center, Deputy Mayor Serhii Miliutin, Oleksandr Vilkul, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, as well as Nina Liashenko and Oleksandr Pyskun.
Congratulations to all the participants and organizers for this inspiring day of sport and inclusion!
This coming fall, a pétanque court will also be inaugurated in Dnipro, within La Cantine de Marioupol, a cultural and culinary center for displaced families. Another step forward in the social rehabilitation of Ukraine’s Heroes.
