Themes by tag: culture

The “Come Back Alive” Initiatives Center, in cooperation with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, is launching a new initiative — the first All-Ukrainian Wheelchair Basketball Championships for veterans and active military personnel. The event will be held on May 10-11 in Kyiv.

The format will combine wheelchair basketball competitions with festival entertainment. The event will last two days. On the first day, there will be eight preliminary games between veteran teams from different regions of Ukraine. The winners will advance to the playoffs, which will take place on the second day.

A large recreation area will be available throughout the event, featuring a food court, VR and PlayStation gaming stations, as well as a recovery area and a kids zone with master classes, relay races, board games and other activities. There will also be a special area where attendees can learn more about adaptive sports, including archery, rowing, table tennis, and more.

The purpose of the championships is to highlight the role of adaptive sports (specifically wheelchair basketball) in the rehabilitation of veterans and military personnel and to raise public awareness of this effective recovery tool.

Media accreditation is required to attend.

Background: The “Come Back Alive” Initiatives Center is a public organization dedicated to strengthening Ukraine’s security and defense. It focuses on researching veterans and security policy, developing effective solutions, and advocating for their implementation in public policy. Currently, the Center operates two main programs: analytical and veteran-focused, promoting a culture of rehabilitation for veterans and military personnel through adaptive sports after injury, trauma, or illness.

• culture
• Kyiv

Amnesty International Ukraine, in cooperation with the Museum of the Revolution of Dignity, is launching an open-air photo exhibition entitled “Deafening Silence”, dedicated to the stories of Ukrainian prisoners of war and their families. The exhibition is based on extensive research into the rights abuses of POWs held by russia. The opening will be on May 9.

This project is part of an international campaign to raise awareness of violations of international humanitarian law and to strengthen the protection of prisoners of war by mobilizing civil society.

The purpose of the event is to highlight systematic violations of the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the russian federation, to support initiatives aimed at protecting their rights, and to raise global awareness of these humanitarian challenges.

Media accreditation is required to attend.

• culture
• military
• prisoners
• Kyiv

Mykola Velychko from Khmelnytskyi oblast became interested in pottery even before the full-scale invasion. He planned to open a pottery residency next to his workshop. The website of the residency was supposed to be launched on February 24, 2022. However, the full-scale war began and Mykola joined the military.

In the summer of 2023 he returned home and decided to revive the residency project — but now for active soldiers and veterans, giving them a place to recover after the frontlines. Mykola started making and selling mugs and investing the proceeds in the construction of the residence. Now he is finishing the construction and still needs to buy furniture and equipment.

This summer, Mykola plans to start pottery classes with soldiers who come to the residency.

You can contact Mykola Velychko online or offline in Khmelnytskyi oblast by prior arrangement.

• culture
• military
• Khmelnytskyi

At the beginning of the full-scale war, members of the Kyiv Municipal Cruising Yacht Club made trench candles and wove camouflage nets. Later, together with warfighters, they designed special medical stretchers using sailcloth as a material, which is durable, waterproof and resistant to friction. The stretchers are now manufactured on a regular basis: they are lightweight and compact.  

Many club members joined this initiative. Sailcloth is provided by sailors from yacht clubs all over Ukraine. Sailors from Poland and Slovenia have also sent their sails for the production of stretchers.

By prior arrangement, journalists can speak with club members and cover their work in Kyiv.

For reference: Kyiv Municipal Cruising Yacht Club is the oldest active yacht club in the capital (a non-profit sailing organization).

As a reminder, the club has launched a free sailing course for military personnel and veterans. Journalists can cover the practical training.

• culture
• volunteers
• Kyiv

After the beginning of the full-scale war, Viktoriia lost her job and turned to working with clay. The young woman created numerous pieces, including tableware. Her work caught the attention of a company that was looking for a craftswoman to make platters. The key feature of these plates is their pins, which help to secure food so that it can be cut with just one hand.

Viktoriia studied the necessary information, consulted with an occupational therapist, and created her first inclusive plate. Today, she donates her creations to restaurants, hospitals, and veterans who have lost an arm in combat. She doesn’t charge the military for her work – instead, her social media followers cover the cost.

You can contact Viktoriia Beliavska online or in person in Kyiv by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• women
• Kyiv

Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman has addressed the President of the United States in a song. The musical piece was published on his Facebook page with the caption: “My appeal to Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, to help Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace.”

The song, performed in English, is set to video footage showing the aftermath of Russian strikes on Ukraine, including the April 24 attack on Kyiv that killed 13 people and injured nearly 90.

“You are the one the whole world is watching, your every move, everything you do. Don’t let the line between good and evil be blurred. The light will always rise, the darkness will not prevail. Donald Trump, it’s time to fight in the name of light,” the lyrics say.

Journalists can arrange an online interview with Moshe Azman in advance.

For reference: Moshe Reuven Azman serves as the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine. Recently, he hosted Pastor Mark Burns – often described as Donald Trump’s spiritual advisor – during his visit to Ukraine, including stops in Bucha and Irpin. In September 2024, a memorial service was held for Matityahu (Anton Samborsky), the Chief Rabbi’s adopted son, who was killed in the war.

• culture
• religion

The Kiev Municipal Cruising Yacht Club is implementing a rehabilitation initiative for military personnel and veterans – a free sailing course combining theoretical and practical training.

Recently, the first practical session of the sailing course took place. The participants prepared their training boat, refreshed their theoretical knowledge and the terminology they learned during the last two months. The next day, they set sail for their first wind-powered voyage.

Journalists are welcome to cover the next practical session in Kyiv upon prior arrangement.

Background: Kiev Municipal Cruising Yacht Club is the oldest active yacht club in the capital (a non-profit sailing organization).

• culture
• military
• Kyiv

On April 30, Kyiv will host the presentation of Map, a new book by Andriy Zelinskyy, military chaplain of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Guests are invited to:

– Meet the author;

– Explore the main themes and symbols of the book;

– Take part in an open discussion;

– Join an autograph session. 

Media representatives are required to obtain accreditation to attend the event.

For reference: Andriy Zelinskyy is one of Ukraine’s first military chaplains. He serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, teaches in the Ethics-Politics-Economics program at the Ukrainian Catholic University, and is a co-founder of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy. He is also a political scientist, writer, publicist, and prominent public figure. His published works include Semen’s Stars, Sunflowers, My Journey to the Country of Marines, and Anatomy of a Warrior.

• culture
• Kyiv

On May 4, Kyiv will host a charity obstacle run to celebrate the founding of the 12th Special Operations Brigade “Azov”. Participants will tackle a 3-kilometer course designed to test their endurance.

To participate, runners must register and donate 800 UAH, with all proceeds going directly to support front-line soldiers.

• culture
• Kyiv

In celebration of the second anniversary of the Union of Wounded Military of Ukraine, the traditional “Strong 300” fan race is set to take place. The event is scheduled for May 4 in Kyiv.

The “Strong 300” fan race aims to honor those who defended Ukraine, inspire those close to them, and unite civil society in support of those who truly deserve respect and care.

Participants will have the option to choose from several race distances: 1 km, 3 km, and 5 km, all featuring obstacles. A special paired race will also be held for veterans and their children. The event will include an expo of veterans’ organizations, live music performances, a food court, and a children’s area, as well as gifts and raffles. Participation is available with a donation to support veterans’ initiatives.

• culture
• Kyiv