South Ural Veterans Get Sled Hockey Gear

Fighters returning from the front lines are being given specialized equipment for sled hockey. The assistance comes from the Defenders of the Fatherland Fund, which provides veterans with everything needed for rehabilitation through sports.

«We strive to ensure that every hero can try different disciplines and excel in the one they like,» said Galina Gavrilova, head of the Chelyabinsk branch of the state fund Defenders of the Fatherland. «The sessions allow our defenders to recover from wounds and injuries, strengthen their health, return to an active life, and find new opportunities for self-realization. To ensure that sports are comfortable and as beneficial as possible, the Defenders of the Fatherland Fund provides athletes with high-tech prosthetics, sports equipment, and gear.»

One of those who has already received equipment is Andrey Yugov, a veteran of the Special Military Operation and holder of the Order of Courage. He shared: «Since childhood, I dreamed of serving in the Airborne Forces — my dream came true; I dreamed of being in professional sports — my dream came true: sled hockey and snowboarding, the Chelyabinsk Oblast team. Who would have known? But life is such a thing: the main thing is to dream, and dreams will come true. Sport gives strength of spirit, a healthy mind in a healthy body. Sports brotherhood, combat brotherhood — it«s all one.»

Amir Fazullin, who lost a leg in a mine blast wound near Avdeevka in December 2023, began learning sled hockey after returning to Chelyabinsk in 2024. Already in April of this year, together with the regional team, he became a bronze medalist of the Defenders of the Fatherland Cup in Yekaterinburg in sitting volleyball. «After returning home, friends advised me to take up sled hockey; before that I only did boxing. After sport came into my life, a lot changed. Before, I didn«t know where to go, what to do, especially with prosthetics it was difficult. And now that I»ve started training, I feel better, and my health is better. Movement is life. To the guys who come back with disabilities, I would say: sport is a must. It gives adrenaline, which is sorely lacking, and its lack negatively affects the body. It«s a kind of release, especially in hockey. Plans for the future — to play sports; there are already results, I need to keep moving forward, there is something to strive for,» said Amir Fazullin.

Artem Yemelyanov, seriously wounded on the Kursk direction in 2025, was discharged from military service. Before taking part in the Special Military Operation, he had practiced karate for about seven years and played hockey for fun. Upon learning about sled hockey for veterans, he immediately decided to return to the ice. «The coach recommended contacting the Chelyabinsk branch of the Defenders of the Fatherland Fund, which I did — I went and wrote an application. Now I have my own professional sled, whereas before I trained on training sleds,» recalls Artem Yemelyanov.

Now the veteran is preparing for the first competition of his sports career. His main goal is to reach the international arena and join the Paralympic team.

The Defenders of the Fatherland Fund, together with the Ministry of Sports and the Russian Paralympic Committee, is systematically working on the development of sled hockey. Since 2025, the fund has been providing sports equipment to veterans of the Special Military Operation with disabilities who want to engage in this Paralympic sport. The fund«s branch invites all veterans to join the sessions and try sled hockey, sitting volleyball, table tennis, archery, and other sports. You can sign up for training through the fund»s social coordinators in the municipalities.