Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal Combine will implement the “Free Waves” psychophysiological rehabilitation project for veterans and active military personnel in the region starting in 2024. In Zaporizhzhia, almost 300 defenders have already joined the program and undergone rehabilitation using a unique water rehabilitation method created by Olympic medalist Denis Sylantyev. In 2026, Metinvest will scale up the project in Zaporizhzhia so that the health program covers even more military personnel and veterans.
For a year and a half, classes using a specially developed method were held at one of the Zaporizhzhia swimming pools under the guidance of a certified trainer. To ensure barrier-free access for veterans, a lift for immersion in water was installed in the pool. This year, Metinvest, Zaporizhstal and the NGO “Zaporizhzhia. Platform of Joint Actions” in cooperation with the Department of Sports, Family and Youth of the Zaporizhzhia City Council are scaling up the project: three locations for classes will operate in the city. Thanks to the constant financial support of businesses, water rehabilitation for defenders will continue to be free of charge.
“Swimming classes are an effective way to restore physical and emotional health after stress and injuries suffered during combat operations. This form of rehabilitation is considered one of the safest and helps to gently and gradually process traumatic experiences. Water removes all negativity, reduces the load on the body and at the same time helps to restore joint mobility and strengthen muscles. Nowhere else, except in water, can such conditions for recovery be created,” says Denis Sylantiev.
The program is based on the author’s methodology of Denis Sylantyev, aimed at comprehensively restoring the health of veterans who were injured while defending the country. The project is based on a scientific approach and modern practices of rehabilitation and adaptation in water. Depending on the nature of the injuries and the condition of the participants, at the beginning of the classes, each person receives individual recommendations and support from a qualified trainer. This helps to achieve tangible results in restoring physical condition and psychological balance.
Today, the Free Waves project is being implemented in three cities where Metinvest is present – Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Kamianskye. Over the past year and a half of the project’s operation, about UAH 4.4 million has been allocated to restoring the health of defenders. The Free Waves program is open to veterans and military personnel undergoing rehabilitation. (Zaporizhstal)