A new rehabilitation project, Free Waves, designed for the wounded active duty personnel and veterans has been launched at the swimming pool of Kryvyi Rih Youth Sports School No. 10. It focuses on helping defenders recover through swimming and is implemented with the support of Metinvest Group and Kryvyi Rih Defence Council.
The Free Waves rehabilitation project is part of Kryvyi Rih’s strategy for veteran support. It is rolled out in partnership with Metinvest Group to assist defenders, disabled war veterans, and those suffering from mental health issues due to war injuries. The rehabilitation and adaptive techniques were developed by Denys Sylantiev, a distinguished Ukrainian athlete, World and European swimming champion, and Sydney Olympic medallist.
“This project started in Zaporizhia and is now running in Kryvyi Rih. I hope this will provide a strong impetus for similar projects to spread nationwide at the state level, supporting our combatants who defend Ukraine and protect our borders today. They must feel cared for and know they are not left alone to fend for themselves. This is an exemplary initiative we are bringing to life with the support of Metinvest, setting a strong precedent for others,” said Denys SYLANTIEV.
The Free Waves project is a crucial part of the new veteran policy, a policy for heroes, believes Oleksandr VILKUL, head of Kryvyi Rih Defence Council:
“In terms of sports in our veteran support strategy, over 2,000 veterans and their family members enjoy free swimming sessions at our municipal pools. This new project is aimed at comprehensive rehabilitation for the military, which is extremely important today. I am grateful to Denys Sylantiev for helping us implement it.”
For effective recovery, groups of five to seven people will be formed. The minimum rehabilitation course for a veteran consists of 16 sessions, which is one month of pool visits. According to rehabilitation specialists, swimming improves muscle condition, sleep, blood circulation, endurance, and overall productivity for the military and veterans. The project is coordinated by Kryvyi Rih Foundation for Future CSO.
“Together with Metinvest and Kryvyi Rih Defence Council, our organisation continues reintegrating soldiers who have returned from the war. Following our monthly discussion panels, we've now launched a new rehabilitation project for combatants through swimming. Before the project's start, Metinvest helped purchase special lifts for physically challenged veterans to enter and exit the pool more easily,” said Olena LESCHENKO, director of Kryvyi Rih Foundation for Future CSO.
Serhiy Laievskyi, a war veteran, member of the 93rd Brigade 'Kholodnyi Yar', and member of the Invincible Kryvyi Rih team, was among those attending the programme's launch. He lost a leg in the war, which motivates him to maintain his physical fitness now.
“I’m very happy to have this project launched in our city. My brothers-in-arms and me can now swim at any time. The pool is always open for us. This is a tremendous support for war veterans, and we’re very grateful for such initiatives, ensuring we are always supported and not forgotten. It really helps us overcome depression. I am also a member of the Invincible Kryvyi Rih team, which is my sports family now,” said Serhiy LAIEVSKYI.
Coaches and administrators will be involved in the project to plan the sessions, monitor attendance, and maintain communication with the military and veterans. The sessions will take place at the swimming pools of Youth Sports Schools No. 2, 7 and 10.
