‘Match for Heroes’: Veterans with Prosthetics Play Charity Football Game with Ukrainian Celebrities
On October 20, Kyiv hosted the ‘Match for Heroes’ – a unique charity football event organized by Mastercard and Oschadbank. The Viktor Bannikov Stadium welcomed 16 veterans with limb amputations, patients of the Superhumans Center, who teamed up with Ukrainian celebrities. Participants included Artem Pyvovarov, Anatoliy Anatolich, Oleksandr Pedan, Ivan Liulienov, Oleksandr Teren, Viktor Vatsko, and Oleksandr Sydorenko (‘Fozzi’). The match was supported by the Ukrainian Association of Football, Superhumans Center, Pokrova AMP Football Club, and MEGOGO.
The participants played in mixed teams in a 7v7 format, with two 20-minute halves, following amp football practices (a style of football adapted for players with amputations). About a thousand spectators gathered in the stands to witness an exciting game between the teams ‘Dyke Pole’ and ‘Kholodnyi Yar,’ which ended in a 2-2 draw. The goals were scored by Volodymyr Zhezlo (‘Dyke Pole,’ 8 min), Artem Pyvovarov (‘Kholodnyi Yar,’ 18 min and 32 min), and Marian Drach (‘Dyke Pole,’ 26 min).
The project aims to promote social reintegration of people with limb amputations and support the growth of adaptive sports. As part of the project, a fundraising campaign for sports prosthetics for veterans will continue until the end of October. So far, 7,677,000 UAH has been raised. Anyone can join the fundraising effort by donating through the Superhumans Center website.
“The emotions that filled the field and stands were truly incredible. We witnessed not just a football match, but a manifestation of human spirit, mutual support, and resilience. ‘Match for Heroes’ showcased the unique ability of sport to unite people and overcome any barriers. At Mastercard, we firmly believe in equal opportunities for all, and this event became a perfect example of how we can turn that belief into reality. We will continue to support projects aimed at fostering a barrier-free and inclusive society, ensuring that everyone without exception has the opportunity to realize their potential,” emphasized Inga Andreieva, General Manager of Mastercard in Ukraine and Moldova.
Additionally, from September 20 to October 31, 2024, one hryvnia from every Mastercard transaction made with Oschadbank card is donated to the fundraising campaign for Superhumans Center patients who need sports prosthetics.
“Our support for sports for people with disabilities is a strategic direction of Oschadbank’s inclusive program ‘My Accessibility.’ The bank is the general partner of the national Paralympic team. Ukrainian Paralympians have impressed the world with their outstanding results at the recent Summer Olympics in Paris, finishing fifth in the total medal count. Similarly, the participants of the ‘Match for Heroes’ exemplify the courage and resilience of Ukrainians for the whole world. We are grateful to them for this! They also inspire their brothers and sisters in arms who were injured in the war, showing that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life after severe injuries and amputations,” commented Serhii Naumov, Chairman of the Management Board of Oschadbank.
Adaptive sports, particularly amputee football, play a crucial role in the physical and psychological rehabilitation as well as social reintegration of veterans.
“It is through sports that our ‘supers’ discover their capabilities and regain self-confidence. Playing football again with their children is a dream that almost every patient mentions when setting rehabilitation goals. Making this dream a reality takes a lot of hard work from the Centre's dedicated team and our partners. Thanks to the initiative of the Ukrainian Association of Football and support from Mastercard and Oschadbank, this dream came true for seven of our ‘super people’. Thanks to the support of thousands of Ukrainians, this dream can become a reality for dozens of guys and girls who don’t just want to get back on their feet, but to run, jump and score their first goal or complete their first kilometer with a prosthetic limb. Sport restores not only physical abilities, but it also rebuilds self-confidence. ‘Match for Heroes’ inspired thousands of those who lost limbs and are still waiting for their prosthetics,” noted Olha Rudnieva, CEO of Superhumans Center.
The match was commented on by MEGOGO commentators Serhii Lukianenko and Vadym Sheviakin, along with Serhii Zhukovskyi, a veteran and a patient of Superhumans Center, and Anton Tiutiun, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Oschadbank. The match was officiated by Dmytro Kubriak – a football referee who spent five months in Russian captivity in 2022 but returned to refereeing after his release.
“We witnessed an emotional and vibrant football match. ‘Match for Heroes’ showed that football is more than just rules in regulations, it has an impact that extends far beyond the football field. First and foremost, football is about fair play, focus on the moment, and a sense of unity and support. And we saw all of this in the match between ‘Dyke Pole’ and ‘Kholodnyi Yar.’ Moreover, it's a team sport, and ‘Match for Heroes’ brought together the best team. I want to thank Oschadbank, Mastercard, and Superhumans for their commitment to adaptive football and this powerful project. The game continues!” added Olena Balbek, Counselor to the President of the Ukrainian Association of Football.
The match was broadcast live on the MEGOGO media service and MEGOGO Sport YouTube channel. The recording can be viewed at the link.
