У Парижі разом із 60 тис. учасниками In Paris, alongside 60,000 participants, seven wounded Ukrainians successfully completed the full 42-kilometer distance of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris using self-built wooden wheelchairs. Their participation was part of the “Wounded Warrior” initiative by the American charity United Help Ukraine, aimed at drawing attention to the needs of injured Ukrainians in the fifth year of the full-scale war.
This was reported by United Help Ukraine and participants of the event.
The Ukrainian team’s participation became one of the most emotional moments of this year’s marathon. Paris quite literally erupted in support—thousands of spectators filled the streets to cheer for the Ukrainians, who moved along the route in wooden wheelchairs they had crafted themselves.
“Absolutely electric! Paris was alive with emotion yesterday. Supporters gathered in incredible numbers to cheer on the Ukrainian team as they took on the marathon distance in the wooden wheelchairs they had built with their own hands. What began as a simple, almost chance email from Paul de Livron to United Help Ukraine blossomed into something far greater: a powerful testament to partnership, solidarity, and fraternity without borders. Our unbreakable titans showed the world the true meaning of Ukrainian spirit - resilient, determined, and unstoppable. It was deeply moving to witness such an outpouring of support from the Ukrainian community in France!” said Valeriya Chunikhin, Director of Operations and Partnerships at United Help Ukraine.
The participants built their racing wooden wheelchairs themselves during rehabilitation workshops in Lviv under the guidance of French designer Paul de Livron. It was in these chairs that they took to the старт on April 12 in Paris.
“We are very, very proud of each of the guys and their first day. We did not expect that everyone would be able to reach the finish line without any assistance—only through their own strength. I am truly very happy and proud,” said Paul de Livron, founder of Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs. reads у коментарі засновника Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs Поля де Ліврона.
Read also: Ukrainian Veterans to Start Paris Marathon in Wooden Wheelchairs – United Help Ukraine
The marathon became not only a sporting event but also a powerful symbol meant to remind the world of the масштаби війни and its consequences for Ukrainians. According to organizers, in just four years of war, more than 500,000 Ukrainian defenders have been wounded, and the number of recorded amputations has exceeded 140,000.
“This spirit rises incredibly high. The support of the Ukrainian diaspora in France is simply unbelievable. The guys and everyone around them are very proud of what they are doing. They came from Ukraine to show the world that the Ukrainian spirit is unbreakable,” emphasized Valeriya Chunikhin.
The team also received words of support from Vadym Omelchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to France and Permanent Representative of Ukraine to UNESCO. Organizers expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Ukraine in France and the Ukrainian diaspora for their support at this important moment.
According to organizers, the participation of the Ukrainian team in one of Europe’s most prominent sporting events became an example of the resilience of wounded Ukrainians and, at the same time, a demonstration of international cooperation. The initiative brought together American humanitarian support, French rehabilitation innovation, and Ukrainian strength.
“They are not just running a marathon. They carry their stories, their pain, their strength, and the spirit of Ukraine that refuses to break. Every kilometer is a reminder: Ukraine stands strong, but hundreds of thousands of people living with the wounds of this war still need support,” the organizers concluded.
The team’s stay in Paris was also meaningful. On the eve of the marathon, they visited Les Invalides, where Ukrainian participants were welcomed by French military doctors and prosthetics specialists. At the same time, organizational and diplomatic meetings took place. Representatives of United Help Ukraine visited the Embassy of Ukraine in France to discuss further cooperation.Ahead of the event, participants also attended a charity dinner hosted by Aide Médicale & Caritative France-Ukraine at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Saint Volodymyr the Great in Paris.
Photo: Valeriya Chunikhin, Save Ukraine
Author: Inna Mikhno