May 2, 2025
1,000,000 UAH Raised to Support the Rehabilitation of Ukrainian Soldiers
A Million Steps to Victory: The “Бігозбір Пробудження” Charity Run raised 1,000,000 UAH!
AB Games supports athletes and helps Ukraine’s defenders
The AB Games team, together with Run Ukraine, successfully completed the large-scale charity event Бігозбір «Пробудження 2025», which began on March 8 and brought together thousands of caring Ukrainians to support our military. A total of 725 participants from across Ukraine and abroad joined the team “Take the Next Step with AB Games.” As a result, 1 million UAH was raised for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian heroes at the Next Step Ukraine centers!
These funds have already been directed toward restoring the health of our defenders who are undergoing the challenging journey of rehabilitation after severe injuries. Every one of the 79,579 kilometers covered made a meaningful contribution to their future.
“Surpassing the one-million-hryvnia mark is a testament to the incredible strength of our community and the genuine compassion of everyone who joined the Charity Run,” emphasized Anton Bolshakov, founder of AB Games. “At AB Games, we are deeply grateful to Run Ukraine and Next Step Ukraine for the fruitful partnership – and above all, to every participant whose kilometers turned into real support for our heroes. Together, we’ve taken an important step toward their recovery.”
Our initiative was joined by ambassadors – well-known Ukrainians such as Marichka Padalko (TV host at 1+1), Tetiana Hrubeniuk (Director of the “Відродження Захисників України” charity foundation), and Taras Stadnytskyi (Ukrainian comedian, TV host, and member of the “V.I.P. Тернопіль” team). They were joined by leaders of the running community: Iryna Lishchynska (Olympic silver medalist, founder of irynaweek_running_club), Serhii Preskornyk (Ukrainian record holder, known as “Борода, що біжить“), Vitalii Chuyan (Crew Runner for Adidas Runners Ukraine and a running influencer), and Volodymyr Yurchuk (coach, Ukrainian Master of Sports in athletics, and co-founder of Gutsul Running Club). These ambassadors inspired others by their example and encouraged people to join the Charity Run.
Finale at the Kyiv Half Marathon: Every Kilometer = 50 UAH for the Heroes
The highlight of the Charity Run was the Kyiv Half Marathon, held on April 12–13. During this decisive stage, AB Games increased its donation amount to 50 UAH per kilometer covered by participants of the “Take the Next Step with AB Games” team, which significantly accelerated the achievement of our shared goal.
The AB Games team also took an active part in the Half Marathon. Company employees, including founder Anton Bolshakov, completed various distances – 1.6 km, 5 km, and 10 km.
Garmin Giveaway Results: A Nice Bonus for Logged Kilometers
After the Kyiv Half Marathon wrapped up, we held a Garmin fitness watch giveaway and selected the lucky winner of a brand-new device! Out of 476 participants who shared their runs and supported our defenders, Marina Zakharchuk Herasymenko was the fortunate winner. Congratulations to Marina – and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in the giveaway!
The Charity Run Was More Than Just Kilometers: What’s Behind the 1 Million UAH Donation
As part of the VUSO “Десятка Незламності” race on March 23 in Kyiv, the Next Step Ukraine center team, together with over 20 active-duty soldiers and veterans, gave a symbolic start to the Charity Run, inspiring everyone with their resilience. On that day, AB Games donated 50 UAH for every kilometer covered!
The running community in Lviv also joined the Charity Run during the “Забіг Бігозграї” on March 29. The “Take the Next Step” run in Stryiskyi Park gathered over 200 participants — runners, military personnel, students, members of running clubs, and sports institutions — all contributing their kilometers to support the rehabilitation of wounded warriors. The distance was kicked off by defenders currently undergoing recovery. A festive atmosphere, partner support, prize giveaways, and a group run with ambassador Taras Stadnytskyi turned the day into a true explosion of motivation!
In Kyiv, the “Take the Next Step with AB Games” running crew gathered on Trukhaniv Island. A sunny morning run with soldiers from the Irpin rehabilitation center, ambassador Vitalii Chuyan, and many active participants became another vibrant step toward Victory. Distances ranged from 2 to 10 km, and an additional 20,200 UAH was raised! After the run, participants were given gifts and treats — a sweet recharge for more good deeds ahead.
The AB Games team visited the Next Step Ukraine rehabilitation centers in Irpin and Lviv to meet the heroes in person and show their support. As an added gift, they brought PlayStation 5 consoles to help defenders relax and unwind with some quality leisure time.
AB Games: Sports as Part of Our Culture
At AB Games, we don’t just support charitable initiatives — we actively promote a culture of sports within the company. Team members regularly take part in running events, inspire others, and lead by example, proving that sport is not only about health but also a powerful way to help those who truly need it.