Inquires Games are about to begin in Vancouver and Viscers on Saturday, and participating in more than 20 countries, there is little opportunity to compete, which means the highest for a war country at the moment.
The multi -sports tournament attracts players who are injured, injured or sick military services, both serving and veterans.
Some of these athletes, such as Elias Hedok, are from Ukraine, are in the active war since Russia's 2022 invasion.
“That's a big deal for me,” said Heduk about sports. “
“I don't feel like I'm injured, as I am having some trouble. I just live my life as I did before. This is a very good project, this investment.
Hedok, who runs with artificial product after his leg cut, is competing in skiing, skeleton, row and wheelchair basketball.
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It is far from his previous life.
The 34 -year -old served as a police officer for more than six years before the war, when he decided to sign up with the army to defend his country.
In the army, he served as a drone operator of war, blew up an explosive -based UAV against enemy troops and tanks, and rose to the position of unit commander.
It all changed in October 2023, while it was far from the next posts.
“I was injured during a ceremony in which many soldiers, men and women were gathered who performed their duties, courage and dedication to protect our country,” he said.
“An enemy drone saw a military unit there … When they saw us, they sent Alexander missiles … that day many of my fellow brothers died.”
Haiduk lost some part of his leg from Sharapel in the attack and then suffered a long recovery.
“There was no artificial artificial for more than eight months. It could be like every month as it was every month.
But during his recovery, he started to go to athletics.
There, he tapped a group of veterans that he said he helped them in a lot of ways.
“When you are training with other boys who have been injured, which has the same problem, it is a lot of motivation,” he said.
Now, for the first time in Canada, he says he is excited to represent his country and seek the region.
“I love the most skiing. I love the game very much.
“Such great hills, great weather, great mountains. It is very beautiful.
Team Ukraine has 24 athletes in this year's Games, which has attracted more than 500 participants from around the world.
“I'm standing here because I have survived,” said Hedok. “But it is my responsibility to those who have their stories but they cannot speak today.”
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