For the first time in history, veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine represented Ukraine at the Regata Storica in Venice: a symbol of resilience and new opportunities.
Ukrainian Armed Forces veterans at Regata Storica Venice 2024 | The story of the indomitable spirit of Ukrainian soldiers
For the first time in 700 years, Ukrainian Armed Forces veterans took part in the prestigious Regata Storica in Venice. A story of strength of spirit, rehabilitation, and new victories after injuries.
For the first time in the more than 700-year history of the famous Regata Storica in Venice, veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine represented our country on the waters of the Grand Canal. Our wounded soldiers from Odessa, who had been on the front lines and suffered combat injuries, took to the start line in the legendary yale, proving to the whole world that rehabilitation after war can lead to new heights.
Amidst gondoliers, colorful boats, and the applause of thousands of spectators from around the world, a proud cry rang out: “Glory to Ukraine!”
Historical event: from combat operations to sporting victories
This moment became a true symbol of how ATO veterans find new meaning in life after difficult rehabilitation. Even after the most severe losses and trials, Ukrainian soldiers have the strength to win — both in war and in peacetime.
Regata Storica is not only a sporting event, but also a cultural event of global significance, bringing together traditions spanning more than seven centuries. Costumed processions, historic boats, the majestic atmosphere of the festival… And amid this diversity, the flags of Ukraine and Odessa flew for the first time..
Rehabilitation and return to active life
For our Armed Forces veterans, participating in the regatta was an important experience—not only in terms of sport, but also in terms of rehabilitation. They had already proven their resilience on the front lines, and now they showed it to the world in a peaceful competition.
Their boat sailed along the Grand Canal, becoming a symbol of how modern military rehabilitation and support for wounded soldiers help them return to a full life.
This is a striking example of how high-quality medical rehabilitation and psychological support for veterans open up new horizons for our heroes.
International support for Ukraine
The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, and the city community warmly welcomed the Ukrainian team of veterans. This gesture of support became a sign of true friendship between our cities.
As part of Odessa Days in Venice, the participation of rehabilitated military personnel in the regatta was the culminating event, which further united the communities and demonstrated the importance of international support for Ukrainian veterans.
Free prosthetics and orthotics for military personnel, veterans, and persons with disabilities Free upper and lower limb prosthetics are provided to:
- Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel
- war veterans
- persons with disabilities
Prosthetics and orthotics for upper and lower limbs are completely free for Ukrainian citizens thanks to government programs.
Documents required to obtain a referral for prosthetics or orthotics:
- passport/ID + proof of residence
- tax identification number (TIN)
- proof of injury circumstances (for military personnel or veterans)
- military/veteran/war disability certificate (for military personnel or veterans)
- CONCLUSION on the need to provide a person with limitations in daily functioning with rehabilitation aids
- OR Extract from the decision of the expert team on the assessment of a person’s daily functioning and recommendations that are part of an individual rehabilitation program for a person with a disability.
The pride of Ukraine: from injury to new victories
Odessa is proud of its veterans, who have represented Ukraine with dignity on the international stage. Their return to the water showed that even after suffering severe combat injuries, our soldiers are capable of finding new meaning and victories in peaceful life.
This story inspires thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who are currently undergoing rehabilitation after injuries, showing that life after war can be full and vibrant.
Conclusion: Ukraine has made its voice heard in the heart of Venice. And this voice—a voice of strength, faith, and indomitability—has been heard by thousands of people from all over the world.
The story of Ukrainian veterans at the Regata Storica has become a symbol of how proper rehabilitation and support for wounded soldiers help our heroes reach new heights in peaceful life.