Project description:

Challenge: Ukraine is now facing a major challenge: over 1.3 million veterans have already returned from the front, some of whom have injuries or amputations. Adaptive sports serve as a vital tool for reintegration, allowing each individual to feel strong, active, and valued once again. It is a pathway not only to physical recovery but also to overcoming psychological isolation. For businesses, this is an opportunity to invest in the country’s future, prevent the loss of valuable workforce talent, and support economic recovery by engaging veterans in active and meaningful lives.

Solution: The project focuses on restoring veterans’ confidence in their abilities through sports in a peer-to-peer format, as well as scaling adaptive sports within communities. Together with “Come Back Alive,” EPAM purchased 10 specialized wheelchairs and organized a friendly game between veterans and civilians. These wheelchairs are critically scarce — there are only about 50 across the entire country. After the pilot stage, the partners, with the support of the relevant ministry, organized a week-long training camp for veterans. Later, they held a major nationwide tournament in Kyiv, which brought together 8 teams from across the country.

Result:

– The Ministry, EPAM as a socially responsible business, and the Come Back Alive foundation have created momentum and laid the foundation for developing and scaling adaptive sports in the country.

– The first communities in Odesa and Ivano-Frankivsk regions have already planned to purchase the necessary equipment and organize competitions for veterans this fall.

– Growing public interest in rehabilitation through sports. The total media reach exceeded 2 million users.

– Involvement of new businesses in sponsorship, making this sport more accessible.

Partners:

Center for Initiatives Come Back Alive, Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine

Category: Veterans Empowerment

Company: EPAM Ukraine

About the company: 

 EPAM Ukraine is a community of highly skilled professionals that has been providing digital solutions for businesses for 20 years, utilizing cloud technologies and AI. Over 9,300 experts develop innovative products for international clients and actively contribute to the digital transformation of Ukraine. Globally, EPAM is ranked among the top 15 technology services companies in the Fortune 1000 and is featured in the list of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies.