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Ukraine Hosts Its First-Ever Amputee Football Tournament Promoting Inclusivity

Jan 16, 2025 14:53

3 min read

Authors: Maryna Kulakova
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Players wait before an amputee football match during a tournament of the League of the Mighty of the Dynamo Kyiv in Kyiv on January 11, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

On January 11–12, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) organized the country’s first-ever amputee football tournament for amateur teams, titled the ‘Winter Cup of the League of the Mighty.’

The League of the Mighty is a social initiative by the UAF aimed at helping individuals with amputations or limb impairments return to an active lifestyle and find inspiration through sports.

“Football has a unique power to aid rehabilitation and recovery. Ukraine is home to over 100,000 people with limb amputations, many of whom are soldiers injured while defending our country. This first UAF amputee football tournament demonstrates that nothing is impossible when there is determination and a supportive team,” said UAF President Andriy Shevchenko.

Players warm up before an amputee football match during a tournament of the League of the Mighty of the Dynamo Kyiv in Kyiv on January 11, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

Players change their clothes during an amputee football match during a tournament of the League of the Mighty of the Dynamo Kyiv in Kyiv on January 11, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

Five amateur teams participated in the tournament: AMP FC Kyiv, MSC Dnipro, FC Pokrova AMP, FC Pokrova-2, and Shakhtar Stalevi. A total of 11 matches were played, with FC Pokrova-2 from Lviv claiming the championship title.

The newly formed Kyiv team, which includes both men and women, secured second place.

“Our team was only recently formed, and we’re the only mixed team with both men and women. To take second place in our first tournament is amazing! Sports are the best form of rehabilitation for individuals with limb amputations, and every game boosts our confidence and experience, especially after such achievements,” said Olha Benda, a player for AMP FC Kyiv.

Players during an amputee football match during a tournament of the League of the Mighty of the Dynamo Kyiv in Kyiv on January 11, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Source: Ukrainian Association of Football)

“This is very important for veterans. Amputee football provides a chance to rehabilitate and rejoin society. Thanks to football, I don’t even notice that I’m missing a leg” shared Dmytro Kuts, a player from FC Pokrova-2 who was recognized as one of the tournament’s top scorers.

‘The Winter Cup of the League of the Mighty’ marks the first step toward establishing a comprehensive system of amputee football competitions in Ukraine. The UAF plans to actively prioritize the development of this sport in the coming years.

Players of both teams greet each other after an amputee football match during a tournament of the League of the Mighty of the Dynamo Kyiv in Kyiv on January 11, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine stated that in light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as of October 21, 2024, Russian forces have already killed 545 Ukrainian athletes and coaches and destroyed 523 sports facilities.