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Ukrainian Veterans Compete in Paris Marathon with Wooden Wheelchairs
On April 13, 2026, a Ukrainian team of seven veterans and civilians started the Paris International Marathon. They are using wooden wheelchairs they crafted themselves during rehabilitation in Lviv.
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Photo: Ukrinform EN
At a glance
- Seven Ukrainian veterans and civilians participated in the 2026 Paris Marathon.
- They used wooden wheelchairs crafted during their rehabilitation in Lviv.
- The event was organized by United Help Ukraine to raise awareness of support for injured Ukrainians.
- Participants included members of the Titans-Lviv basketball club.
- The Paris Marathon is one of the largest marathons globally, featuring around 60,000 runners.
Why it matters
The event highlights collective efforts to support wounded veterans and civilians while fostering international awareness of the challenges they face in Ukraine. It promotes the importance of rehabilitation initiatives for those affected by war injuries.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/4111732-ukrainian-team-of-veterans-and-civilians-in-wooden-wheelchairs-takes-part-in-paris-marathon.html
What Happened
A group of seven Ukrainian participants, composed of war veterans and civilians, embarked on the 2026 Paris International Marathon on April 13, 2026. They began their race at 11 a.m., four hours after the main group, in specially designed wooden wheelchairs.
Key Details
The participants built their wooden wheelchairs during a rehabilitation program in Lviv, under the guidance of French designer Paul de Livron. This initiative aims to empower individuals with disabilities and promote their reintegration into society.
The team includes Pavlo Kozak (captain), Andriy Tarasyuk, Ivan Batrak, Oles Protsiv, Volodymyr Saveliev, Mykhailo Varvarych, and Bohdan Koshulab, all members of the Titans-Lviv basketball club. The race paired seven wheelchair users with three support team members.
According to de Livron, the strategy for the race was to maintain a pace suited to the slowest participant, ensuring teamwork and shared experience. The event attracted a large support group, emphasizing the united effort behind the team's participation.
The American non-profit United Help Ukraine organized the event, which aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. Over 500,000 Ukrainians have sustained injuries, with more than 140,000 amputations reported since the invasion began.
Why It Matters
This participation in the Paris Marathon serves to raise international awareness regarding the reintegration of individuals with disabilities in Ukraine. It highlights the collaboration between humanitarian organizations and the resilience of Ukrainian people, showcasing the need for continued support in rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Background
The Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest and most prestigious marathons, attracting nearly 60,000 participants each year. The involvement of the Ukrainian team not only emphasizes their empowerment but also reinforces the transatlantic partnership that supports wounded Ukrainians, combining American humanitarian assistance with French rehabilitation technologies.
The initiatives aim to inspire global solidarity and support for those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Source: Ukrinform EN
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