7–11 October 2026 · Ljubljana & Brdo, Slovenia
Golf, rehabilitation and international cooperation
In October 2026, Borderlands Foundation Ukraine supported the participation of two Ukrainian veterans — Yevhenii Lakhnenko and Roman Hrybov — in the GOLFTEGRATION PROJECT Workshop in Slovenia. The program combined golf, pitch & putt, rehabilitation, international exchange and cooperation between Ukrainian and Slovenian organizations.
In his own words
Yevhenii Lakhnenko, a Ukrainian veteran, on what the week in Slovenia meant to him. Ukrainian with English subtitles.
About the program
The Slovenia program gave Ukrainian veterans access to structured training, international experience and new social connections.
Golf and pitch & putt were used as practical tools to support concentration, physical activity, communication and confidence.
The program also created opportunities for veterans to meet specialists, partners and organizations working in rehabilitation, adaptive sport and veteran reintegration.
The veterans
Borderlands Foundation Ukraine supported the participation of two Ukrainian veterans in the Slovenia program.
Yevhenii Lakhnenko previously underwent prosthetic treatment and rehabilitation at Superhumans Center. He continues his recovery through sport and regular training.
Roman Hrybov joined the program as part of the Ukrainian veteran delegation and participated in the golf and pitch & putt activities in Slovenia.
The trip gave both veterans an opportunity to train, represent Ukraine internationally and build new connections through sport.
The golf program
During the program, Ukrainian veterans took part in golf and pitch & putt training sessions designed around rehabilitation and inclusive participation.
Participants worked on the course, learned the pitch & putt format and exchanged experience with specialists in adaptive golf.
Experts connected with the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) shared practical approaches to adapting golf for people with different health conditions and physical limitations.
Golf can support:
For Ukrainian veterans, the program created a structured and supportive environment for continued recovery through sport.
7–11 October 2026
International cooperation
The program brought together Ukrainian veterans, Slovenian partners and European specialists working in sport and rehabilitation.
The visit helped create new relationships around:
These connections can support future programs, exchanges and joint initiatives.
Official meeting in Brdo
During the program, Ukrainian veterans and families of fallen defenders met with Petro Beshta, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, and Zoran Stevanović, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, at the state residence in Brdo.
Participants discussed veteran support, rehabilitation, reintegration and the role of sport in helping people return to active civilian life after military service and injury.
The meeting added an institutional dimension to the program and helped strengthen contacts between Ukrainian and Slovenian stakeholders.
Results
The October 2026 visit produced several practical results.
Ukrainian veterans represented their country in an international sporting and rehabilitation environment.
Participants received practical training and continued using sport as part of their rehabilitation.
The program created new relationships with Slovenian and European organizations.
Participation supported active communication, travel, training and social connection.
The visit created a basis for another Slovenia program planned for spring 2027.
Continued support in Ukraine
Borderlands Foundation Ukraine continues supporting veterans between international events. Our current areas of support include:
Regular training helps veterans develop skills, prepare for international programmes and maintain structured physical activity.
English helps veterans communicate with international partners, participate in programmes abroad and access new professional opportunities.
Borderlands helps veterans join tournaments, workshops and rehabilitation programmes outside Ukraine.
We build relationships with companies, foundations and organisations interested in veteran support.
Financial overview
€0≈ €1,594 total cost
To help close the €236 gap (about $274), then fund spring 2027, give through our donate page.
Spring 2027
Borderlands Foundation Ukraine is currently discussing another veteran program in Slovenia for March or April 2027. Preparation will begin in advance.
The next program may include:
Partnership opportunities
Partners can support the programme in several ways.
Cover travel, accommodation, participation fees or local transportation.
Help finance regular golf training and preparation before international programmes.
Help veterans prepare for international communication and future opportunities.
Support one clearly defined part of the programme.
Companies with veteran employees or veteran communities can nominate participants to train alongside the Borderlands group and potentially join future programmes in Slovenia.
Connect Borderlands with Slovenian or European companies, foundations, clubs or veteran organisations.
Borderlands Foundation Ukraine welcomes cooperation with companies, foundations, veteran organisations and individuals interested in veteran rehabilitation through sport. We are currently preparing partnerships for the next Slovenia programme in spring 2027.
Project ecosystem
Follow the program and veteran stories:
Veteran rehabilitation through sport, education and international cooperation.