Rowing ergometers, ellipticals, electrostimulators, as well as devices for the lymphatic drainage – specified equipment goes to soldiers who request regular rehabilitation. Only in the last 4 years has the Association of the Wounded and Damaged in Missions outside the Country Borders supported almost 90 veterans.
– It was a bull's-eye – that's how veterans of the victims measure the projects "Above pain on sports" and "Rehabilitation through sports activity" implemented by the Association of the injured and injured in missions outside the country's borders. The intent of these programs is to acquisition sports and rehabilitation equipment And hand it over to the members of the Association so they can conduct recovery at home.
The thought to be healthy and fit through sports activity was taken from the experiences of American soldiers. “It besides worked perfectly with us,” stressed Rafał Korzeniewski, Vice president of the Association. – any of the equipment purchased is passed on to veterans who competed or prepare to participate in the Invictus Games competition, added Korzenewski. He himself prepares to take off in the next edition of Invictus – in Canada in February 2025 will fight for medals in rowing, among others. “I hope that in achieving a good consequence I will be helped by exercises on an ergometer that I have been training for 3 years,” he says. This equipment uses respective times a week due to the fact that it is simply a large way to supplement rehabilitation. It is essential due to the injuries that Rafał Korzenewski reported on a mission in Afghanistan. He had a fractured spine and ruptured clavicular-barreous ligaments in 3 places, which, figuratively speaking, meant that his hand only held on his skin. Rehabilitation should accompany him for the remainder of his life.
Cycling Beginnings
The programs described above are not the only form of support for soldiers who found themselves in a akin situation as Korzenewski. The first initiative supporting veterans in physical activity was "Rower for Veteran", launched in 2015. respective companies were active in its implementation, so that The association could buy specialized bikes intended primarily for veterans who underwent amputation or suffered severe leg or spine injuries during the mission.
At that time, Zbigniew Kaczmarczyk, who returned from Iraq with his shoulder, hip and knee, was given an electrical aid bike. “I received an ergometer from the Association 3 years ago, on which I exercise 2-3 times a week to strengthen my thigh muscles,” he says. Now he's trying to get an elliptical cross trainer due to the fact that the exercise on this device strengthens the muscles of the full body. He admits that his spine pains and his unstable knee sometimes prevent him from bending his leg. Despite these ailments Kaczmarczyk participates in various sporting events organized or co-organised by the Association, e.g. in the veteran's march in Sokołowski or in A 24-hour march in Scotland.
– erstwhile we were younger, the injuries were little annoying and the rehabilitation was more effective, but with age our wellness deteriorated, due to the fact that fresh problems, specified as the circulation, are occurring," explains Tomasz Kloc, president of the Association. The rehabilitation equipment is helpful, for example, for those who have undergone amputation of the lower limb (this leads to spine curing and hip problems).
One specified veteran is Jan Koczar, a veteran of the mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1996, he lost his right leg as a consequence of a mine explosion. This led to additional diseases: the spine and left leg are unevenly burdened, resulting in degeneration and discopathy. “The rehabilitation tours, which I usage all year, slow down degenerative processes and halt pain for a while”, he explains. From the Association, he has already received a boa suit, which is simply a device for the limb lymphatic drainage. Now, after consulting his doctor, he applied for an Air Essence (for a shock wave) device that treats inflammation, helps relax muscles and reduce pain. “I would like to exchange these devices with colleagues who have akin injuries,” declared the veteran.
Support for sponsors
In the last 4 years, the Association has bought 25 ergometers, 22 elliptical cross-sections, 11 electrical bicycles, 15 tourist bikes, 13 pieces of various equipment for lymph drains, 6 electrostimulators and 2 impact wave devices. They are financed mainly from funds received from 1.5% for OPP (in 65%) and subsidies from sponsors. – Our key partners are Lockheed Martin and PGZ and PZL Świdnik. Without their help, it would be hard for us to get specified costly equipment," said Tomasz Kloc.
During the 5 editions of the programs "Indistinctly for sports" and "Rehabilitation through sports activity" and "Remediation equipment for veterans" devices helping in rehabilitation received a full of 86 veterans, members of the Association. – We plan to proceed akin projects in cooperation with our sponsors and partners – says Tomasz Kloc.
