Four Ukrainian veterans, who had undergone rehabilitation at the UNBROKEN centre in Lviv, reached the final of the Handi-Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque 2026. As part of its social initiatives, Avalon helped to fund their trip to France.

Handi-Mondial is the inclusive arm of one of the world’s largest pétanque tournaments – the Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque. Every year, the event brings together athletes from different countries and demonstrates how sport can serve as a space for interaction, development and new achievements.

Last year, the Ukrainian delegation made its mark at La Marseillaise for the first time, winning the ‘Golden Ball’ award for the Ukrainian National Pétanque Federation. In 2026, the UNBROKEN team built on this success by reaching the final.

This year, Ukraine was represented in Marseille by Roman Onuchko, Orest Vashchyshyn, Andrii Krokha and Ivan Drozd. Following treatment and rehabilitation, they took up pétanque under the guidance of Mykola Dudyk – a member of the Ukrainian National Pétanque Federation and a former professional player.

Behind each participant’s sporting achievements lies their own story of returning to active life. Andrii Krokha took up sport again after having his leg amputated. Ivan Drozd became a marathon runner after having his hand amputated. Orest Vashchyshyn promotes pétanque among veterans and children, whilst Roman Onuchko takes part in international sporting events.

The trip was organised jointly by the UNBROKEN Charitable Foundation, Lviv City Council, French partners and Avalon. Pooling their resources and expertise enabled the athletes to take part in world-class competitions and achieve results that have been recognised far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Pétanque sessions are now held regularly in Lviv. Open training takes place every Wednesday from 16:00 to 18:00 near the Powder Tower and is available to veterans, military personnel, and anyone interested in trying the sport.

For Avalon, social responsibility is, first and foremost, about concrete actions and their impact on people. The event in Marseille demonstrated how collaboration between businesses, the city, a rehabilitation centre and international partners can open up new avenues for veterans’ recovery and self-fulfilment, helping them to develop in sport, achieve new results and represent Ukraine with dignity.

We are convinced that it is precisely through the combined efforts of rehabilitation centres, the city, businesses and international partners that initiatives capable of sustaining long-term impact emerge.