Martial Arts Festival Honors Ukraine's Heroes

The city of Odesa hosted the MARTIAL ARTS FESTIVAL: UNBROKEN, celebrating the memory of Ukraine's fallen heroes.

The Unbroken festival is held several times a year in Odesa, each dedicated to specific fallen soldiers. The event features parents of the fallen heroes, veterans, and representatives from martial arts federations, fostering unity around a common cause.

«Such events are essential — for our homeland and for ourselves. It is our duty to remember and honor the memory of our comrades who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine,» emphasized festival organizer Denis Zharkov, head of the NGO «This Matters».

Vladimir Yermakov, head of the city’s Veterans Affairs Department, highlighted the importance of cultivating a culture of memory in society:  «We need to change the attitude towards honoring — to create a true culture of memory. This is crucial for those who have endured the horrors of war, for the parents of the fallen, and for our entire society. Memory is our strength and obligation.»

The festival featured representatives from various sports organizations and federations. European and world champions showcased their skills in Japanese martial art Kudo, MMA, boxing, and adaptive jiu-jitsu.

The event was organized in partnership with the Veterans Affairs Department of the Odesa City Council.