Three veterans from the Second Wind community who have undergone lower-limb amputations and now use Levitate active prosthetic feet are setting out to climb Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak at 5,137 metres. The expedition marks a new milestone for the community, which helps veterans rebuild active lives after combat injuries through adaptive mountain sports.
At the same time, the team is launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of UAH 513,700 to expand adaptive mountain sports programs for Ukrainian veterans. Each metre of Mount Ararat symbolises support for those who are currently on their own journey of recovery after life-changing injuries.
The story of Second Wind began in 2025 with an expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro and the release of a documentary following Ukrainian service members who returned to active lives after severe combat injuries through mountains, sport, and the support of their teammates. The project was produced by Gennady Gazin, a Ukrainian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist.
But the story did not end with the film. It evolved into a growing community of veterans who have lost limbs as a result of the war and are committed to rebuilding their lives through sport, mountain expeditions, and an active lifestyle. This community has since grown into the Second Wind Club and the Second Wind Charitable Foundation.
Today, the community brings together veterans from across Ukraine. Members regularly participate in adaptive climbing sessions in Kyiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as hiking expeditions in the Carpathian Mountains, rafting trips, trail races, and other active recovery programs.
The Mount Ararat expedition brings together veterans who have been active members of the community since its inception and have consistently participated in the foundation’s hiking, climbing, rafting, and training programs.
An essential part of their preparation has also been access to modern prosthetic technology. All expedition members use active prosthetic feet provided by the project’s partner, the Danish manufacturer Levitate, enabling them to lead active lives, participate in sports, and take on demanding mountain expeditions.
The expedition team includes:
Volodymyr Sobovenko — a Major in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a combat engineer. He lost both lower limbs while carrying out a combat mission in the Kherson region. Today, Volodymyr is actively involved in adaptive mountain sports and inspires fellow veterans through his example.
Roman Havryliak — a veteran of Ukraine’s 80th Air Assault Brigade. Following his injury, he returned to an active lifestyle through sport, hiking, and mountain expeditions.
Christopher Park-Greenwood — a veteran of the British Army, the French Foreign Legion, and the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine. In 2023, he sustained severe injuries after stepping on a landmine during combat operations. Today, Christopher remains active in sport and advocates for adaptive sports among veterans.
All funds raised through the campaign will support the development of adaptive mountain sports programs for veterans across Ukraine. The initiative will enable more members of the community to participate free of charge in climbing training, hiking expeditions, mountain ascents, rafting trips, and other recovery programs.
The fundraising campaign can be supported via the following link.
