On November 26, 2025, the first Open Veterans' Tournament of Long Backgammon “Warrior of Light” took place at the CLUST Space smart space in the H. I. Denisenko Scientific and Technical Library (Igor Sikorsky KPI Library). The event was aimed at social integration and support of veterans, their interaction with each other and with the university community.
Igor Sikorsky KPI is currently actively implementing a veteran policy, which is an important priority of the University's Development Strategy. The university has a Veteran Development Center, whose main goal is to reintegrate veterans into society by creating opportunities for education, social and psychological adaptation, professional development, and social and cultural programs. In particular, veterans have the opportunity not only to participate in events, but also to independently organize their own initiatives for veterans.
Among the 40 registered participants, the majority are veterans, including those studying at Igor Sikorsky KPI.
The opening of the tournament was attended by the rector of Igor Sikorsky KPI, Anatoliy Melnichenko, People's Deputy of Ukraine and graduate of Igor Sikorsky KPI, Roman Hryshchuk, head of the Svyatoshyn District State Administration in Kyiv, Georgy Zantaraia, as well as foreign guests.
"KPI is a university open to the veteran community. We are proud that this year 120 veterans have become our students, and we want not only to give them the knowledge and skills for a new profession, but also to become the starting point for their new career path. That is why KPI has a Veteran Development Center, which provides comprehensive support to veterans, including the organization of such events," said Anatoliy Melnichenko, Rector of Igor Sikorsky KPI.
"It is very important to support such initiatives and communicate with the heroes who give us the opportunity to live our normal lives. I am convinced that it is through sport that one can socialize and continue to live a full life. Currently, we are helping to organize various events for defenders, their families, and children. This is very important to me," said Georgiy Zantaraia, head of the Sviatoshynskyi District State Administration in Kyiv and world judo champion.
Jonathan Fink, founder of the YouTube channel Silicon Curtain, also addressed the participants during the opening ceremony. His participation was an important gesture of international support for Ukrainian veterans, and his words to the participants emphasized the solidarity of the world community with Ukraine's struggle for freedom.
The tournament was organized by the Igor Sikorsky KPI Veteran Development Center, the Trade Union Committee and Student Trade Union Committee of Igor Sikorsky KPI, the Mama Jane Charitable Foundation, and the Pobratym Ko Charitable Foundation.
"This is an initiative of our KPI student veterans. And backgammon is no coincidence here – it is a very common sport in hospitals where our military personnel are treated. We held the first open championship to create a space for the integration of veterans into society – where everyone can sit at the same table and be equal. KPI is a center that helps veterans return to normal life and implement their own projects," said Andriy Gavrushkevych, director of the Igor Sikorsky KPI Veteran Development Center.
"Backgammon has been a traditional family game for me since childhood. When organizing this event, I wanted it to have a family atmosphere. After all, it is important for veterans to understand and feel that there is a place where they are heard. The more we bring civilians, politicians, and veterans together around one table—just to play a game—the better the socialization and reintegration of our society will be," said Jane Aliyeva, founder of the Mama Jane Charitable Foundation.
Among the participants and organizers of the tournament are veterans who enrolled in the master's program at Igor Sikorsky KPI this year.
"Thanks to backgammon, we were able to bring people together—the veteran community: those who are currently studying, undergoing rehabilitation, on vacation, or just want to spend time with their families. Through sports, we strengthen our community and support each other. I really liked this space: it is inclusive, comfortable, and gives a sense of security. And that's exactly what veterans need," said Tata Ostrobrod, a war veteran, founder of the Pobratim Ko charitable foundation, and a student at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (FBMI) of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
The tournament judge was Rodion Chebotarev, a popularizer and recognized expert on long backgammon, author of perhaps the only book on this subject, Long Backgammon, author of instructional videos, experienced player, and competition winner.
Among the guests of the event were also graduates of Igor Sikorsky KPI, in particular, Burzu Aliyev, former Deputy Minister of Fuel and Energy of Ukraine (2008-2010).
During the event, a charity collection was held for an inclusive vehicle to transport wounded defenders for treatment and rehabilitation.
The winner of the tournament will meet with Mustafa Dzhemilev for a master class on backgammon and tea drinking.
All participants received knitted souvenirs from veteran Yulia Bilousova, who makes handmade toys, the proceeds from the sale of which go to support the military. You can view the toys and support the military on Facebook.
About the KPI Veteran Development Center
The Igor Sikorsky KPI Veteran Development Center was established at the end of 2024 to implement veteran policy in accordance with the “Igor Sikorsky KPI Development Strategy for 2025-2030.” Its main areas of activity are: social and psychological adaptation, counseling, legal assistance, professional development, obtaining a second higher education, employment assistance, and career guidance for veterans regarding admission to Igor Sikorsky KPI. Another important area is physical rehabilitation and prosthetics, as well as cultural and sporting events.