The "Free Waves" rehabilitation programme for veterans through swimming has been operating for almost two years in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske. These free swimming sessions are designed to restore the physical and mental condition of service members and veterans after injuries and combat-related stress.
In Zaporizhzhia, the initiative is implemented by the NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action" with support from Metinvest Group in coordination with Zaporizhstal.
The programme is based on the methodology of Olympic medallist Denys Sylantiev, combining an individual approach with effective aquatic rehabilitation techniques. The main idea is gentle recovery of the body without overloading the joints and spine, as well as the gradual restoration of mobility and proper breathing. In addition, the sessions have a strong psychological effect, helping participants relieve tension and reduce stress.
Ihor Nosyk, a war veteran, has been attending the rehabilitation programme in Zaporizhzhia for a year. He served in the 55th Artillery Brigade and was responsible for physical training of soldiers. Ihor joined the "Free Waves" programme because of joint problems – he says that water helps reduce strain.
"There is no load on the musculoskeletal system in water. It feels as if the body weight disappears. At the same time, the range of movement is sufficient and the legs stay active. I try to get my joints used to movement, so they become more mobile. It helps to feel better," Ihor NOSYK says.
Not only war veterans, but also active service members take part in the project. Trainers note that many participants already have basic swimming skills, so the main focus is on technique, proper arm movement, breathing, and coordination.
Dmytro PRONIAIEV, deputy project trainer, explains that the programme is tailored to each participant:
"Participants already know how to swim to some extent. We help them to improve their technique by showing how to move their arms and breathe in the water. Also, we explain the basics that make swimming more effective and comfortable, helping them to feel more confident in the water."
An additional benefit of the programme is psychological relief. Participants say that being in the water helps them switch off and distance themselves from anxious thoughts, which are common in a frontline city.
Oleksand HUBNYTSKYI, another project participant, shares his experience:
"Mentally, it is great. Before the sessions, thoughts like 'what is going on?', 'should I go or not?' keep running through my head. But while swimming, you let those thoughts go and stop focusing on negative things."
He adds that he joined the project after coming across information about enrolment. Since then, he has been attending sessions regularly to stay fit and recover.
The project organisers are planning to expand the team of rehabilitation specialists and launch courses for other coaches. Another priority is increasing the number of swimming pools in Zaporizhzhia in cooperation with city institutions, in order to reach more participants. Denys Sylantiev highlights that the project's development is only possible due to partnership and cooperation between different organisations.
"All of this is possible thanks to our partners ‒ Metinvest, Zaporizhstal, and the NGO 'Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action.' We are able to run this programme and help veterans," Denys SYLANTIEV says.
As part of the "Free Waves" project, it is planned to carry out competitions between participants from different cities at the end of May. This will not only be a sporting event, but also an opportunity to assess rehabilitation results and boost participants' motivation.
Participation is free of charge. Veterans and active service members, who are undergoing recovery after injuries and combat experience, can join the project for physical and psychological rehabilitation.
