Advancing Sports Diplomacy Through Adaptive Sports

The U.S. Department of State's U.S. Embassy Kyiv announces an open competition to implement a program to build Ukraine’s capacity to support wounded veterans through adaptive sports by leveraging American leadership, innovation, and expertise in sport. Capitalizing on President Trump's announcement of the Decade of Sports (2024–2034) and the United States' role as host of global sporting events – including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games – this award harnesses the unifying power of American sport to advance rehabilitation, strengthen partnerships, and project American leadership. By strengthening institutional capacity to deliver long-term sports programs nationwide, the program will ultimately rehabilitate and reintegrate veterans living across Ukraine. Veterans will emerge with tools and networks needed to drive Ukraine's recovery solidifying the United States’ role as a leader in Ukraine. The successful program will deliver results through activities such as specialized athletic clinics, sports-focused English language programming, and/or adaptive sports tournaments. By demonstrating the benefits of American athletic models, the project will expand the reach of adaptive sports as a tool for rehabilitation and strengthen U.S.-Ukraine cooperation.