Ukrainian defenders taking part in the programme report significant progress thanks to the aquatic rehabilitation programme.
As part of the "Free Waves" project, war veterans and active defenders undergo free rehabilitation developed by Olympic medallist Denys Sylantiev. The project has been active in Zaporizhzhia since July 2024, with financial support from Metinvest, Zaporizhstal, and NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action".
One of many participants, 61-year-old Oleh Dovholenko, has been undergoing aquatic rehabilitation for three months. He shared why he decided to join the programme.
"I did not feel well, I couldn't even walk up to the second floor. The daughter signed me up, since I used to be a swimmer. I can't walk, but I can swim. I have spine protrusions from wearing body armour. During my first session, I could only reach the middle of the pool. Now, I swim the length of four pools. I feel better and more confident," says Oleh DOVHOLENKO.
Oleh says he enjoys the sessions. Although he used to swim in the past, he always listens to his coach, Serhii Proniaiev.
"I’ve been taking swimming classes for three months now. The coach helps a lot – he advises me not to swim too fast or push myself too hard. He also recommends I avoid the butterfly stroke. I used to be a Master of Sports in the 100-meter swim and worked as a swimming coach for three years. So in the future, I can coach other guys – fellow soldiers — myself," said Oleh Dovholenko.
Oleh Dovholenko is set to continue sessions developed by Olympic medallist Denys Sylantiev.
"You can see people change – they become more open, they start interacting with each other more. Their physical condition gets better, their movements improve. Projects like this absolutely need to continue," says swimming coach Serhii PRONIAIEV.
Another participant in the programme is 52-year-old Oleksandr Kovalenko, who has already completed five sessions as part of the "Free Waves" project.
"I had spine surgery a month ago and needed urgent rehabilitation at a regional hospital. After that, I resumed aquatic rehabilitation. I really enjoy it here – I’ve loved swimming long distances since childhood. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Denys Sylantiev and the socially responsible business supporting war veterans and providing opportunities for rehabilitation," said Oleksandr KOVALENKO.
"Movement is life" is an unspoken motto of free swimming sessions for war veterans and military as part of the "Free Waves" project. More than 150 war veterans and active military personnel have already completed rehabilitation as part of the project. Each participant received a personalised approach that delivers results.
"When people first come to the pool, they don’t know how to move or breathe, so they’re tense. It is difficult for them at the beginning. As they continue, they grow more comfortable. I guide them on how to breathe, lie, and move – and they begin to gain confidence. Movement is life. It’s one of Pierre de Coubertin’s mottos, and we bring it to life every day," said swimming coach Serhii Proniaiev.
Free rehabilitation swimming sessions developed by Olympic medallist Denys Sylantiev take place three times a week. To begin training, participants simply need to present a document confirming their combatant status.
