KYIV – President Petro Poroshenko on September 12 visited the training site of the Ukrainian national team that will participate in the Invictus Games – a world championship among soldiers and veterans who were wounded in the line of duty.
Ukraine earned the right to take part in the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto on September 23-30 as a NATO ally in peacekeeping operations all over the world.
The president called for support of the team of Ukrainian warriors who have proved themselves on the frontline and beyond. “I would like all Ukrainians all over the world to support our heroes. We will root for them, and they will fight for championships at the Invictus Games,” he said.
“I have no doubt that we will show a great performance. I have no doubt that Ukraine will make a case for itself. And I do not exclude that one day we will do everything to host the Invictus Games in Kyiv, on Ukrainian soil, and to defend the honor of Ukraine here,” the president added.
Mr. Poroshenko said he had already discussed an opportunity to host the competition in Ukraine. If the Ukrainian team performs well, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will prepare the appropriate conditions for the participation of Kyiv in determining the games’ next host. “I am confident that it will not only draw the attention of the whole world to how wonderful Ukraine is, but also show our wonderful warriors. You stopped the Russian aggressor, and now you have issued a challenge to those severely wounded,” Mr. Poroshenko stressed.
The president emphasized that the Invictus Games facilitate the psychological rehabilitation of Ukraine’s defenders. “You are an example and not only the whole world, but also Ukraine and our men, are watching you. We don’t just keep on living, but have an opportunity to live a full life and achieve new victories,” he noted. “I urge everyone to root for our team and wish them victories on the sports fields and in rehabilitation.”
He called the Ukrainian team that is departing for Toronto “the elite of Ukraine and the best guard that will honorably represent our country in this international tournament.”
The head of state noted that these athletes are an example for the many warriors wounded in the defense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. “Thousands of Ukrainian servicemen were wounded defending the Ukrainian land from Russian aggression. We want the whole world to see their capabilities, their power of spirit. We want our guys to show everyone that you can live a full life after a military wound,” he stressed.
President Poroshenko said he is going to support the Ukrainian team in Toronto, as he plans to visit Canada after participating in the opening of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as the U.N. Security Council session that will touch upon the issue of peacekeepers in the Donbas.