A social project was introduced in Zaporizhzhia to help rehabilitate and support war veterans and military personnel. The author of the methodology is Zaporizhzhia athlete and public figure Denys Sylantiev. Financial support for the "Free Waves" project in Zaporizhzhia is provided by Metinvest in coordination with Zaporizhstal and the NGO "Zaporizhzhia." Platform for Joint Action".
The pilot launch of the project took place on July 16 in one of the swimming pool centers in Zaporizhzhia. The aim of the "Free Waves" program is to normalize health conditions and support physical, psychological, and health rehabilitation of war veterans and military personnel through swimming activities.
"The best manifestation of gratitude and respect for the defenders of Ukraine is to take care of them, find and implement solutions that will help soldiers adapt to civilian life after returning from the front line. Metinvest's adaptation program for veterans provides a targeted and multi-step system of support for individuals with combat experience. "Free Waves" is more than just rehabilitation; this is a big step towards the health improvement of our veterans – physical and mental," said Roman SLOBODIANIUK, General Director of Zaporizhstal.
The project will include 48 sessions with 100 veterans. The program incorporates adaptation techniques created by Denys Sylantiev, a World and European swimming champion, four-time World Cup winner, and Olympic silver medalist. The program will be coached by Serhiy Proniaiev, a distinguished swimming coach of Ukraine.
Over time, the pilot will expand to Kryvyi Rih. In total, up to 400 veterans and military personnel are planned to be involved in both cities. Sessions will be free of charge for program participants, all costs will be borne by Metinvest Group. Barrier-free access to training is ensured thanks to mobile lifts purchased within the program. The total funding for the first pilot season amounted to almost UAH 1.3 mln.
"In the process of veterans' rehabilitation, physical activity on the water acts not only as a means of physical recovery but also as an important component of psychological recovery. Only by restoring strength and mental harmony can we count on the full reintegration of our defenders into civilian life. "We also took into account the needs of people with disabilities: As part of the project, mobile lifts were purchased and handed over to the pools, which will provide convenient access to water activities," said Zaporizhzhia athlete and public figure Denys SYLANTYEV.
It is worth reminding that with the financial support of Metinvest Group and in partnership with Zaporizhstal in Zaporizhzhia during 2022-2023. Denys Sylantyev's project "Physical Rehabilitation of Children through Swimming" for orphans, internally displaced people, and children from military families was held. As part of the project, 400 children attended classes who, after rehabilitation, learned different swimming styles and experienced an improvement in their mental state.
