Kyiv School of Economics is actively developing the Sport & Science concept, which combines physical activity, science and education and helps support the psychological well-being of students, veterans and community members. Golf is at the heart of sports life at KSE Campus Obolon: this is where the KSE Veterans Office runs training sessions for veterans and their family members and organises tournaments. Students and children also take part.
Golf demands focus and precision, and according to the participants themselves, shared training sessions and tournaments help them connect and support one another. Once they get hooked on the game, veterans invite their brothers-in-arms to the course. In this way, an individual sport becomes a shared experience.
For KSE, veterans’ golf is one way to support veterans’ recovery and develop adaptive sport. Training sessions and tournaments at KSE Campus Obolon build a community and involve participants at every level, from a first introduction to the game to competition, with the support and participation of family members. The veterans shared their thoughts and impressions and spoke about what golf training and tournaments have given them.
How Participants Discover Golf
Serhiy Volosovets, veteran
I used to think golf was an inaccessible sport and not particularly exciting. The first tournament changed my mind: we tried so hard to hit accurately that the game became really thrilling. By the second tournament, I was enjoying the process itself much more. I like that the course is spacious: there are green areas and shade on hot days, and sunny spots where you can warm up while waiting for your team’s shot.
Vyacheslav Filonenko, veteran
I was invited to come to a training session and give it a try. I like trying new things, and I really enjoyed it. The golf simulator is interesting too, but playing on the course is more engaging: walking the course feels natural. Spending time with fellow veterans matters too. I invite them to training sessions, they come, and I think they enjoy it as well.
Volodymyr Baikovets, veteran, Head of the KSE Veterans Office
Golf is one of the sports that can play an important role in veterans’ recovery. KSE Campus Obolon is one of Kyiv’s special places: here you can step away from the city bustle, make new friends and build a community. It is also a chance to look after your physical and mental health.
Dmytro Pankov, veteran
Golf is important for a healthy lifestyle and can be one of the ways veterans recover. It doesn’t involve extreme physical strain, and after just an hour or two of training you already see some results. It brings positive emotions and a good mood. I believe golf should be developed as an opportunity for veterans’ recovery. And KSE Campus Obolon is a hub of attraction, particularly for veterans’ sport.
Artem Vulkovskyi, veteran
In my opinion, veterans’ golf is a great chance to take a walk and come together. During training, we can support each other, do sports and breathe fresh air. Obolon has become home to me since I moved here, and I was glad when KSE invited me to come and play golf. The grounds are large, and you can be here with friends and family. Sessions begin on the practice range, and then you can work on short shots on the holes. There is a park nearby, as well as a shelter.
Golf as an Adaptive Sport
Vladyslav Klochkov, veteran, President of the Ukrainian Pitch and Putt Association
We used to see golf and Pitch & Putt as games that were out of reach for most people. Now we understand that motivation and support make it possible to take part. Golf can be a professional sport and, at the same time, an adaptive one that helps people affected by the war recover physically and mentally. Our task is to bring more veterans and civilians affected by the war into the game.
Valerii Kasianenko, CIMIC Group Officer, 25th Sicheslav Brigade
This is my first time taking part in a golf tournament, and for many of the veterans it is their first experience of this kind too. When I talked with them, I immediately saw a spark in their eyes: everyone was interested. It’s great that such events are held. I would like to scale them up in other regions. This location has areas for training and relaxation, and you can practise both on the course and on a simulator. Although golf is an individual game, participants train in groups, get to know each other and chat.
