David Lega: The One Who Inspires Veterans to Find Strength Through Sport

During the Hug for Heroes program, participants had a unique opportunity to meet David Lega — a Swedish Paralympian with 14 world records, multiple World Championship medals, and a former Member of the European Parliament. His visit became one of the most memorable moments of the program.

David spoke with our participants about resilience, purpose, and our shared humanity. During his meeting with Ukrainian veterans, he reminded everyone of a simple but profound truth: "We are all humans; we need to be needed."

After the inspiring lecture, program participants had the opportunity to try specialized equipment firsthand and experience what accessible sport should feel like: equal, empowering, and forward-looking. Through his own example, David demonstrated that adaptive sport is not an act of charity, but genuine inclusion.

The visit ended with a moving gesture of solidarity: David signed a Ukrainian flag for the veterans, while they signed a Swedish one for him. This exchange was simple, and deeply symbolic — a mutual recognition of resilience and respect.

We are deeply grateful to David Lega for joining our program, sharing his story and inspiring our participants. This visit reminded us that true inclusivity means creating spaces where everyone can participate as equals, where everyone can feel their strength and purpose.

Special thanks to AD Fitness, together with David Lega, for their joint generous donation of adaptive sports equipment, which will travel to Ukraine to help more veterans rebuild their strength and discover new possibilities through sport.