The participants transported boats with children to draw attention to water accessibility
On August 30, 17 veterans, most of whom have amputations, participated in a social swim in Bukovel. The event was organized by public figure Oleksandr Teren. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Анна Шиканова), according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The participants covered the distance while transporting boats carrying 10 teenagers with complex developmental disabilities. The event took place under the slogan “Not for medals – for barrier-free access,” highlighting the need to create equal opportunities for people with disabilities beyond specialized facilities.
As noted by Oleksandr Teren, a representative of NGO “Memoria Kod” and “M13,” the issue of inclusion remains urgent, as there are very few bodies of water in Ukraine equipped for free access for wheelchair users or amputees. The purpose of the action is to encourage the adaptation of not only urban, but also natural infrastructure.
Representatives of the Defense Forces units
Former soldiers from the 80th ODShBr, 24th OMBr, 125th OVBr, 35th Separate Marine Brigade, 47th OIBr, 14th OMBr, 3rd Luhansk Border Detachment, as well as employees of the Main Directorate of the SES of Ukraine in the Kyiv region and the SBI, joined the initiative. Most participants have a disability of the first group.
The organizer emphasized that the event became a kind of manifesto against stereotypes regarding the limited capabilities of veterans. The swim allowed children to spend time on the water together with the military, which is also part of the drive for social integration.
Scaling up inclusive events
Following the successful event in Bukovel, Oleksandr Teren announced the next, larger-scale swim. It is planned that about a hundred veterans will join, and the location will be the Dnipro River in Kyiv.
Photo: RBC-Ukraine
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