When I moved to Canada from Cherkasy in May 2022, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Leaving behind everything familiar and starting over is never easy. But since joining the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), I’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of the Ukrainian Canadian community. This community inspires me every day with its resilience, generosity, and commitment to supporting Ukraine.
This coming February, Canada is hosting the Invictus Games in Vancouver-Whistler and Team Ukraine is sending a group of inspiring athletes. The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and ill service members and veterans. It celebrates their incredible strength, perseverance, and determination, providing a space for recovery and connection. You can view the full list of the 2025 National Team of Ukraine.
For the first time, winter sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, and wheelchair curling will join traditional events like sitting volleyball, swimming, and wheelchair basketball. Through the support of generous community donors, Team Ukraine will be coming for a special training camp in Whistler ahead of the competition. This is a chance to heal, to rebuild, and to feel the unwavering support of a global community. Together, we can give Team Ukraine an early Christmas gift — the resources they need to train and succeed.
Support Team Ukraine at the Invictus Games February 2025
Each of us has a story. The unique stories of each of these athletes are full of hope and inspiration and as I read them, I reflect on my own life’s journey. All these stories can be found in the Invictus Games blog.
Reading through the website, I felt overwhelming pride for our Ukrainians who will represent Ukraine this year; but when I came across one particular athlete’s story, my heart stopped for a moment. I saw a familiar name and face, and a mix of emotions washed over me – pain and anger for what he had to endure, but also immense pride because I know this person.
Oleksii Vasylouk sustained serious injuries while defending Ukraine and has walked a difficult path to recovery.
“I suffered my second injury in 2023. There’s still shrapnel in my neck. This injury affected me more psychologically. Everything I went through resurfaced as PTSD. For example, when we drove through Kherson, I felt like a missile would hit our car at any moment and destroy it.”
Sport became not only a means of physical development for Oleksii, but also a crucial source of psychological support, helping him overcome the toughest moments in life.
For Oleksii, the Invictus Games have become a source of inner strength and a sense of community among like-minded individuals. Oleksiu – your determination and drive to inspire others embodies the true spirit of the Invictus Games — a spirit of resilience and unity that brings together people ready to overcome any challenge.
This is our chance to show Team Ukraine that oceans cannot pull us apart – we stand together. Join me in supporting these heroes and their journey to the Games. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.
Warmly and with hope,
Marichka Bokovnia
Programs and Community Engagement Coordinator
P.S. Major donors are already making an impact, but we all have a role to play. Your donations today will be receipted by the UCC C&E Trust, and the total contribution will be forwarded to the True Patriot Love Foundation to support the Team Ukraine training camp.
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