The rehabilitation project through swimming, 'Free Waves', was launched in Kryvyi Rih a year ago with the support of the City Defence Council and Metinvest. The coordination work was undertaken by the non-governmental organisation 'Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future'. The swimming programme is provided free of charge for veterans and is implemented at three municipal swimming pools.
The rehabilitation and adaptive methods of the "Free Waves" project were developed by the distinguished Ukrainian athlete Denys Sylantiev, World and European swimming champion and Olympic medalist in Sydney. The programme involves the use of unique water-based methods, including psychological support and an individual approach to each participant from the trainers.
Over the course of a year, more than 80 veterans took part in the “Free Waves” project. A total of 556 sessions have been conducted.
"During the training period, swimming not only helped me restore bodily functions, gave me greater confidence and cleared my mind, but also introduced me to a wonderful team of coaches and fellow veterans with whom I share a great deal in common. Such projects provide both physical and moral support," noted war veteran Oleksandr LUHOVSKYI.
"The project has clearly demonstrated the importance of such activities for our heroes returning from the war. A comprehensive approach and substantial support have become the foundation for positive changes among our veterans, both physically and psychologically. We are also grateful to the entire coaching staff, who have consistently demonstrated their professionalism and compassion throughout these months of intensive work," emphasised Olena LESHCHENKO, Director of the non-governmental organisation 'Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future'.
Throughout the year, 'Free Waves' in Kryvyi Rih has been supported by Metinvest. Today, the company continues to implement projects aimed at comprehensive support for servicemen and servicewomen, as well as veterans returning to civilian life.
“Metinvest has always actively collaborated in supporting programmes for the adaptation and reintegration of veterans into civilian life. This applies both to general citywide and nationwide projects, as well as to work with veterans at our enterprises. Interaction with our colleagues returning from the war includes support in the employment process, retraining within production, and participation of our heroes in psychological recovery and physical rehabilitation programmes. We offer preferential conditions for admission to Metinvest Polytechnic Technical University and similar institutions. We involve the families of servicemen in work with psychologists and provide health and wellness support for their children. We strive to mitigate the negative impact of the war and, together with our teams, find the resources to help our veteran colleagues recover,” emphasised Oleksandr SHULIKA, Head of Human Resources at Metinvest Iron Ore Works.
