As the curtain falls on the inspiring Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler 2025, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Team Ukraine, whose stories of resilience and determination have touched hearts across our nation and beyond. Their presence on Canadian slopes and tracks was made possible through the unwavering support of the Temerty Foundation, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and your generosity through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which played a pivotal role in facilitating their pre-games training camp. This comprehensive preparation period ensured Ukrainian veterans could compete at their highest level, resulting in outstanding performances across multiple disciplines.
Team Ukraine’s achievements were particularly poignant, with notable victories of 32 medals. Each medal represents not just athletic excellence but the indomitable spirit of a nation standing strong in the face of adversity. Their success was amplified by the Canadian community’s warm embrace, who came out in force to cheer on our Ukrainian friends.
From Vancouver’s urban venues to Whistler’s majestic slopes, the sight of Ukrainian blue and yellow uniforms created an unforgettable visual testament to the strong bonds between our nations. Local communities opened their hearts and homes, organizing welcome events, community dinners, and cultural exchanges that made Team Ukraine feel at home thousands of miles from their homeland.
Through the “Even The Brave Struggle” campaign, we work together to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by veterans and civilians, as well as the significance of providing comprehensive support for their recovery journey. This initiative has deeply resonated with communities across Canada, inspiring unprecedented support for the Ukrainian competitors.
As we bid farewell to the Invictus Games 2025, we celebrate more than just athletic achievements. We celebrate the power of sport to heal, unite, and inspire. The spirit of Invictus – “unconquered” – was truly embodied in every competition, every friendship formed, and every moment of triumph over adversity.
Your contribution to the “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign directly supports the expansion of mental health services for Ukrainians. While international standards recommend one mental health professional for every 70-90 service members, Ukraine’s current resources fall far short. With your help, we can bridge this gap and ensure Ukrainian veterans and civilians receive the care they’ve earned through their sacrifice. The people of Ukraine have shown incredible courage in protecting their homeland.
To make an impact and become a part of the “Even The Brave Struggle” campaign, visit cufoundation.ca and donate. Don’t forget that, thanks to a special extension from the Government of Canada, donations made before February 28th, 2025, can be applied toward the 2024 fiscal year. This means your contribution today, in 2025, will not only help Ukrainians in need but also qualify for your tax filing for 2024.
Background
CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The main efforts of cooperation are to provide humanitarian relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.