For the first time since the start of the war, the Ukrainian National Teqball Team will come together for a landmark training camp — a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and hope. Taking place from July 20th to 30th in Funchal, Portugal, this initiative aims to prepare the team for the upcoming Teqball World Championship while also highlighting sport as a bridge for solidarity and inclusion.

The training camp is being organised with the support of the Challenger Teqball League - Funchal and driven by the tireless efforts of Rui Leitão, FITEQ EB Member, in collaboration with David Teixeira and Anselmo Nóbrega, local organisers.

“When I started to prepare the training camp, my main goal was to provide the Ukrainian athletes with the best possible conditions, combining the sporting aspect with the emotional and solidarity dimensions,” said Rui Leitão.
“For reasons we all know, and because of the strong ties I have with Ukrainian players, as soon as I was told there was an intention to organise this camp, I immediately said yes. I mobilised all my efforts and contacts in Madeira to make it a reality. Fortunately, we proved that sport can open doors, that sport and solidarity go hand in hand, and that through sport we can bring people together.”

The Club Sport Marítimo has generously provided its facilities for training and accommodation, allowing the team to focus fully on their preparation. The camp will feature nine players and one coach:

Athletes, Ivan Grom, Vitalii Hryhorchuk, Iryna Kushnir,  the 82nd of FITEQ World Ranking in women's doubles, Anastasiia Terekh, and the two world championship fifth duos, the highest ranked Ukrainian athlete, Iryna Dubytska, who owns the 24th place in women's singles and the 28th place in women's doubles, and her partner, Daria Zelenska, as well as the world and European championship fifth double, Dmytro Shevchuk & Oleh Usychenko. The president and coach of the National Teqball Federation of Ukraine, Denys Vilienkin.

This marks the first time since the war began that Ukrainian Teqball athletes have had the opportunity to gather for a focused training camp. The highlight of the camp will be their participation in the Challenger Teqball League stage, held in Funchal from July 25–27.

“Being able to gather these athletes together for the first time since the war started means much more than just preparing for the World Teqball Championships,” added Rui Leitão.
“It is historic and symbolic. For one week, they could train, focus on their passion, and feel supported by the international Teqball community. It shows the world that our Teqball family stands united around this cause, and that we are committed to using sport as a way to support, inspire, and give hope.”

Leitao's efforts have been awarded multiple times as he acted quickly and gave shelter to the Ukrainian athletes.

The project also receives strong backing from the Funchal City Council, the Regional Government of Madeira, and the Ukrainian community in Madeira, whose support has played a vital role. A special official reception and joint activities with the local Ukrainian community are also planned to foster integration and solidarity further.

“It is the first time, since the beginning of the war, that we have been able to bring together our eight athletes for a training camp of the Ukrainian National Teqball Team, showing that, despite all the difficulties, Teqball remains alive and growing in our country,” said Denys Vilienkin, President of the Teqball Ukraine.
“This moment is very important to reaffirm that sport has the power to unite people and nations, to inspire hope, and to show the world that we continue to fight for our values and for the future of Teqball in Ukraine. We are grateful to everyone who has supported Ukrainian Teqball and made this training camp possible. A special word of thanks to Rui Leitão, who has been tireless in his support of our athletes and our federation since the very first day of the war.”

Teqball, just like on many other occasions, proves to the world that it has enough power to overcome difficulties and provide better opportunities to those who face great challenges.