United to win: Ukrainian soldiers find rehabilitation through rock climbing in Netherlands

Photo: Ukrinform / Iryna Drabok

Ulyana Guz

The sports center in Amsterdam hosts rehabilitation classes for Ukrainian military personnel where they overcome a fifteen-meter wall on prosthetics through rock climbing.

Ukrinform reported that.

What is the problem?

According to experts, rock climbing is a chance to conquer not just the rock itself but also one's personal fears, leading to increased self-assurance and pleasure with each milestone.

What is the solution?

Ukrainian soldiers participate in rehabilitation classes at a sports center in Amsterdam that involve rock climbing. The soldiers who use prosthetics can conquer a fifteen-meter wall during these sessions.

^{Photo: Ukrinform / Iryna Drabok}

How does it work?

According to Mariia Sholkina, the organizer of rehabilitation classes in Kharkiv, she was inspired by a podcast from a Ukrainian military aid organization to develop the concept of using rock climbing for rehabilitation.

^{Photo: Ukrinform / Iryna Drabok}

"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, we started organizing various activities to help Ukraine. We buy cars, send medical aid, and do everything we can. The idea was born after the podcast. The speakers talked about the activities they organize for the wounded in Ukraine, and I thought I could also do something here in the Netherlands for Ukrainian defenders. Volunteers help me. The project is growing," she says.

Mariia Sholkina has been climbing since 1998. She came to the Netherlands in 2003 and is currently working with Dutch trainers on a rehabilitation program for the Ukrainian military.

^{Photo: Ukrinform / Iryna Drabok}

"We started this project with Mariia to help Ukrainian veterans gain knowledge about their new bodies after the changes that happened. As we grow, we study our body and how it changes over the years. We study our body's capabilities, and now, because of injuries and having received new bodies, Ukrainian defenders have to re-learn their new bodies and capabilities, and they have to learn to feel their bodies. And climbing helps with this best," Dutch coach Sander ter Steich says.

^{Photo: Ukrinform / Iryna Drabok}

The organizers note that rock climbing is one of the most effective ways to regain balance after injuries, and they are very proud of the achievements of Ukrainian defenders.

^{Photo: Ukrinform / Iryna Drabok}

The program coordinators reached an agreement with two centers in Amsterdam and Delft to allow Ukrainian defenders to participate in free rock climbing activities as part of their rehabilitation program.

^{Photo: Ukrinform / Iryna Drabok}

For reference:

It's worth mentioning that on September 29, Kyiv hosted a bike race for all and a leisurely ride on Trukhaniv Island. This charitable gathering aimed to collect funds to support the Air Defense Forces in the Kyiv region.

Also, a charity run was recently held in Kyiv with the American historian Timothy Snyder in support of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

In addition, a charity race, the "Cup of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine," was held in the capital. At the event, funds were collected for inclusive equipment for war veterans.

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