Ukrainian war veterans find solace and rehabilitation through skiing lessons in Oregon. Five veterans, including Oleksandr Shvachka who lost his leg in combat, participated in a program with Oregon Adaptive Sports to make sports more accessible to people with disabilities. The veterans, recovering in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, were hosted by the sister city association in Corvallis. The program aims to improve physical and mental health and teach adaptive skiing techniques to help amputees in Ukraine.
Carol Paulson, the co-founder of the association, was inspired by the positive impact skiing had on Vietnam War veterans and wanted to offer the same experience to Ukrainian war veterans. Shvachka, who ran a 10K race in 2023, shared the key role adaptive sports played in his rehabilitation. With the instruction of Oregon Adaptive Sports, the veterans learned three-track skiing, using outriggers to balance on the snow-covered mountain.
The veterans and instructors plan to bring their newfound knowledge back to Ukraine to teach others who have lost limbs. Kristian Minai, one of the Ukrainian instructors, is also working on developing a national Paralympics ski team. The ski lessons demonstrated the transformational power of sport and the ability for individuals to find independence and well-being through physical activity. The hope is that these veterans will one day compete in the Paralympic Games and inspire others in their journey of rehabilitation and recovery.
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