In Zaporizhzhia, veterans undergo free swimming rehabilitation.
Rashyd Altynbaiev, a war veteran, is completing his first kilometre in the water. He has been an active participant in the "Free Waves" project, which helps war veterans and active service members recover their health through swimming, for over four months.
"Now I have a programme: I come and swim one kilometre. Previously, it was a real challenge for me, but now I do it easily. After a short break, I can swim more for a while. I really like it and feel the results," said Rashyd ALTYNBAIEV.
Mr. Altynbaiev has been serving in the 260th brigade of territorial defence since 2022. During his service, he was wounded. He was demobilised this year and now works in the City Veterans' Policy Department.
According to Rashyd Altynbaiev, swimming lessons under the programme of Olympic medallist Denis Sylantiev have become an important part of his recovery.
"My legs are injured with shrapnel, and swimming helps significantly. I have arthrosis ‒ I walk with difficulty, and my leg was constantly in pain. After starting to swim regularly, I noticed improvements: my back hurts less and my overall well-being has improved," shared the veteran.
In Zaporizhzhia, the "Free Waves" project is implemented by the NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action" with the financial support of Metinvest in coordination with Zaporizhstal.
Currently, the initiative operates in three cities: Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske.
"Together with partners and Metinvest, we looked at how the project could be scaled. We did everything carefully, step by step, with an individual approach to each participant. We determined appropriate workloads, studied the nature of injuries, and monitored the rehabilitation outcomes," explained Denys SYLANTIEV, volunteer and Olympic medallist (2000).
Classes under the "Free Waves" project are free of charge. Both veterans and active service members can join the programme, including via an online handbook for veterans.
"There are links with addresses and a lesson schedule on the website. Training sessions take place three times per week – on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In addition, there are contact details of the administrator, who can be called at any time to register," said Dmytro KHALILOV, Director of the NGO Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action."
Rashyd Altynbaiev says that such support is extremely necessary for defenders after returning from the front line:
"Many people need this type of rehabilitation – movement and sport. I train here alongside people with whom I served on the front line. Now we are here together, and everyone really appreciates it."
It is worth noting that the "Free Waves" project operates in five swimming pools across three cities – Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske. Training sessions are held three times a week and are tailored to the physical condition of each participant. All sites are equipped with mobile lifts for people with disabilities. Moreover, a barrier-free lift is installed in Kamianske.
In Zaporizhzhia, the programme has been running for almost one and a half years, and organisers plan to expand it to several additional swimming pools in the city.
On average, 30–32 participants attend physical rehabilitation classes each month in Zaporizhzhia. Over 2025, around 300 people joined the project.
