The Association of Special Operations Forces Veterans signed a memorandum on cooperation with the Ukrainian Football Association and the All-Ukrainian Association of Football Veterans.

The ceremony for signing this historic document was attended by President of the UAF Andriy Shevchenko, officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleh Sobutsyk, president of the AVFU, and head of the Association of Special Operations Forces Veterans of Ukraine Oleksandr Sviridenko.

This is another step in supporting special operations forces veterans after their service. The document lays the foundation for joint projects that will help veterans of special operations gain new opportunities in sports, rehabilitation, social life, and social adaptation.

Photo: Dany Balashov

Among the main goals of the memorandum, one can highlight in particular:

— popularizing military service and supporting veterans and members of their families among Ukrainian citizens through organizing sports events involving professional athletes, coaches, veterans, and servicemen, as well as various educational programs and information support for such events;

— promoting physical activity, engaging in physical culture and sports, especially football, among war veterans and servicemen by conducting informational campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle;

— honoring the memory and feats of special operations forces servicemen and veterans of the Association of Special Operations Forces Veterans of Ukraine as an example of heroism and dedication to defending Ukraine.

Photo: Dany Balashov

A symbolic addition to the signing of the memorandum was a friendly football match between the special operations forces team and veterans of the national team of Ukraine.

The event was made possible thanks to the support of the UAF and head of the AVFU, special operations serviceman Oleh Sobutsyk.

Photo: Dany Balashov

“This match was organized to support the forces of defense of Ukraine, especially special operations forces. This is a unique type of military unit whose soldiers are constantly on the front line. For them, such events serve as a kind of rehabilitation and an opportunity to take a breath of fresh air.

Today we saw that even without professional football experience, servicemen gave everything they had on the field, demonstrating strength of spirit, will, and desire for victory.

Today here were united volunteers, soldiers, and the football family — everyone who cares about the situation in the country. This is an example of unity among Ukrainian patriots”, — commented on the event officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, president of the AVFU Oleh Sobutsyk.