On October 20 in Kyiv, a unique sporting event — the "Match for Heroes," a charitable football game organized by Mastercard and Oschadbank — took place.

At the V. Bannikov National Technical Center, 16 amputees met with patients from the Superhumans Center, as well as Ukrainian celebrities. Among the participants were Artem Pyvovarov, Anatolii Anatolic, Oleksandr Pedan, Ivan Lyulenov, Oleksandr Teren, Viktor Vatsko, and Oleksandr Sidorenko ("Fozzi"). The match was supported by the Ukrainian Football Association, Superhumans Center, football club "Pokrova AMP," and MEGOGO.

Photos courtesy of the UAF press service

Participants played in mixed teams in a 7x7 format for two halves of 20 minutes each, taking into account amputee football practices. Nearly a thousand spectators on the stands witnessed an exciting match between the "Wild Field" and "Cold Yard" teams, which ended with a score of 2:2. Goals were scored by Volodymyr Zhizlo ("Wild Field," 8th minute), Artem Pyvovarov ("Cold Yard," 18th and 32nd minutes), and Mar'yan Drach ("Wild Field," 26th minute).

The project aims to facilitate the social reintegration of people with amputated limbs and support the development of adaptive sports. Within its framework, a charitable collection for sports prosthetics for veterans will continue until the end of October. So far, 7,677,000 UAH has been collected. You can contribute through donations on the Superhumans Center website.

Photos courtesy of the UAF press service

"The emotions that emerged on the field and in the stands were truly incredible, and we witnessed not just a football match but a demonstration of human spirit, mutual support, and resilience. The 'Match for Heroes' demonstrated the unique ability of sports to unite people and overcome any barriers. At Mastercard, we firmly believe in equal opportunities for all, and this event was a wonderful example of how we can bring that belief into reality. We will continue supporting projects aimed at developing barrier-free and open society, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to realize their potential," — emphasized Inga Andreeva, General Director of Mastercard in Ukraine and Moldova.

Photos courtesy of the UAF press service

In addition, from September 20 to October 31, one hryvnia from each Mastercard transaction by Oschadbank will be transferred to the collection for Superhumans Center patients who need sports prosthetics.

"Our support for sports involving people with disabilities is a strategic direction of our inclusive program 'My Barrier-Free Life' at Oschadbank. The bank is the general partner of the national Paralympic team. Ukrainian paralympians have amazed the world with excellent results at the last summer Paralympics in Paris: they secured fifth place overall in medal count. Similarly, participants in the football 'Match for Heroes' are an example of courage and unyieldingness to the whole world. Thank you for this! In addition to everything else, they convince their comrades and sisters who have been injured during the war that a full life after severe injuries and amputations is possible," — commented on the event Serhiy Naumov, Chairman of the Board at Oschadbank.

Photos courtesy of the UAF press service

Adaptive sports, particularly amputee football, play a significant role in physical and psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration of veterans.

"It is through sport that our heroes become aware of their capabilities and regain confidence. To be able to play football with one's child again — this dream is mentioned by almost every patient when setting rehabilitation goals. Having the opportunity to fulfill this dream is the work of a large team at the center and its partners. Thanks to the initiative of the Ukrainian Football Association and support from Mastercard and Oschadbank, this dream came true for six of our heroes. With the support of thousands of Ukrainians, this dream can become reality for dozens of boys and girls who want not just to stand on their feet but to run, jump, score their first goal or run a kilometer with an iron limb. Sport returns not only physical abilities — it restores self-confidence. The 'Match for Heroes' inspired thousands who have lost limbs and are still waiting for their prosthetics," — noted CEO of Superhumans Center Olha Rudnyeva.

Photos courtesy of the UAF press service

The game was commented on by Serhiy Lukyanenko and Vadim Shevyakin, MEGOGO commentators, Serhiy Zhukovskyy, a veteran and patient at Superhumans Center, and Anton Tyutyun, Deputy Chairman of the Board at Oschadbank. The match referee was Dmitro Kubryak, who spent five months in Russian captivity in 2022 but returned to refereeing after his release.

Photos courtesy of the UAF press service

"We witnessed an emotional bright football duel. The 'Match for Heroes' showed that football is more than rules in a regulation and has an impact far beyond the football field. Above all, football is honest competition, focus on the moment, feeling of unity and support. And we saw this in the match between 'Wild Field' and 'Cold Yard.' Also — it's team play, and the 'Match for Heroes' gathered the best. I would like to thank Oschadbank, Mastercard, and Superhumans for their attention to adaptive football and a strong project. The game continues!" — noted Olena Balbek, member of the UAF President.

The match was broadcast live on MEGOGO media service and YouTube channel MEGOGO Sport. You can view the recording at the link.