On October 9 in Reykjavik, a conference titled "Rehabilitation and Mental Health through Sport" was held by the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA) jointly with the Icelandic Football Association (KSÍ) ahead of the World Cup 2026 qualifier match Iceland vs. Ukraine.

The event was dedicated to World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, focusing on the role of sports—particularly football—in rehabilitation and supporting mental health.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Speakers at the event included:

— former professional footballer and now a sociology of sport professor who studies the positive role of sports in society, Vidar Halldorsson;

— Finnish sports psychologist researching the challenges of high-performance sports on athletes' mental health, Richard Taftinen;

— CEO of the UFA Foundation presenting results from a national study on the impact of amputee football on psychological and physical rehabilitation, Olena Balbek;

— psychoanalyst and founder of the Mental Health Support for Ukrainians in Iceland program, Olga Khodos.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Among the guests were UFA General Secretary Igor Gryshchenko, KSÍ General Secretary Kjartan Gudni Adalsson, University of Reykjavik lecturers and students, as well as representatives of the Ukrainian community.

Photo: Dan Balashov

"&Firstly, such events provide an opportunity to tell the world about the context in which Ukrainian society finds itself and draw attention to its adaptation mechanisms. Secondly, the conference discussion showed that despite differences, both countries effectively leverage sports potential to overcome challenges," — noted Olena Balbek.

Photo: Dan Balashov

*'UFA Foundation' — this is a charitable foundation established by the Ukrainian Football Association, which implements social projects and fundraising aimed at developing football in Ukraine. The main areas of activity of the foundation include adaptive football, mass children's football, women's football, social support, and restoring sports infrastructure. The foundation also initiates projects related to overcoming war consequences, using the unifying power of football for positive changes in society.