In Zaporizhzhia, children receive free swimming lessons as part of the project "Physical Rehabilitation for Children through Swimming". 

Since last November when they started swimming lessons as part of the project "Physical Rehabilitation for Children through Swimming", children have learnt to pencil dive, swim backstroke, dive, and many other tricks.

As a reminder, the project spearheaded by the renowned athlete and Olympic medallist Denys Sylantiev was launched in Zaporizhzhia with the support of Metinvest and Zaporizhstal to help children affected by the war – orphans, internally displaced persons, and children from military families. This is the second season of the rehabilitation programme.

Lessons take place three times a week based on the programme developed by Denys Sylantiev himself. The children are taught swimming by Serhii Proniaiev, Honoured Coach of Ukraine and the first coach of the Olympic medallist. According to him, children here develop not only physical skills but also psychological ones.

"For example, to dive off the block, you need to get over your fears, and they can be different. Children may be afraid of height, depth, or water in general. Children overcome these phobias and become braver here. And most importantly, they improve their health, both physical and mental. It is great that Metinvest and Denys Sylantiev pay so much attention to kids," Serhii PRONIAIEV said. 

Yelyzaveta Sonkina is one of this season's participants. Two months ago, the girl did not know how to swim at all, and she did not even dream of diving underwater. But now Yelyzaveta is passionate about swimming and can no longer imagine her life without a pool.

"I understand that it is very good for my health, and I also feel relaxed during the lessons. The lessons are conducted in a friendly and almost family-like atmosphere. So, in addition to useful skills, we also enjoy communicating with each other," says Yelyzaveta.

Thanks to the lessons, Mykola Mavrin has also become more focused and braver. The boy's father, who is now defending the country from the Russian invasion, suggested that he start swimming lessons. The boy has been training in the pool for over two months. He says he has made some progress since then, but there is still a lot to work on. 

"During the lessons, I improve my cardio system, learn to breathe better underwater and hold my breath. I knew how to swim, but I have honed my skills significantly and even learnt new ones - now I can do back flips in the water," Mykola said.