Learning to Swim... for Health and Helping? Mission: Swimming!
Why is it worth learning to swim?
Can swimming be more than just a physical activity or a pleasant way to spend time? Absolutely! Let us introduce Łukasz Malaczewski – a well-known physiotherapist in the triathlon world, swimmer, and athlete who leads the FizjoTriterapia Foundation.
Sport and swimming lessons for people with disabilities – is it rehabilitation for the body or the spirit?
Łukasz Malaczewski: It depends on the type of disability. Not everyone can actively participate in competitions – in such cases, sport has a greater impact on the spirit. However, when a person with a disability actively engages in training and competitions, it certainly supports physical rehabilitation. Nevertheless, we must remember that one doesn’t exclude the other. When the body is active, the spirit benefits as well – it works both ways. Additionally, the joy of a happy parent who takes pride in their child’s participation in events is also an important aspect of this type of activity.
Helping is an Adventure
How did your journey of helping through sports begin?
It started with my patient, Jaś Kmieć, who wanted to run. His disability didn’t allow him to do so. He asked me, “Can you teach me to run?” I replied, “Unfortunately, I can’t teach you to run, but we can do it together.” We decided to run and compete in triathlons as a team. I became his driving force, while he experienced all the emotions that we, able-bodied participants, feel during competitions.
Jaś has passed away, but we continue to share the valuable lesson he taught us. We established the FizjoTRIterapia Follow Your Dreams foundation, and through it, we are helping even more children with disabilities. Thanks to the generosity of race organizers in Poland, I am also able to bring children to compete in events.
Sportsman and Physiotherapist
You are a physiotherapist by profession and work with people with disabilities. How do you encourage them to take on challenges like triathlons?
I don’t have to convince anyone. My patients – and not just mine – see how it all works behind the scenes and follow it on social media. This allows them to make their own decision and try their hand at the sports events we offer as a foundation. It’s more often them who ask if they can participate in such activities and how everything can be organized.
Sports Equipment and Activity
It’s becoming increasingly easier to stay active thanks to various types of equipment and devices. Does this mean there are no longer any barriers to being active for people with disabilities?
The real barriers are in our minds. The only obstacle that people with disabilities might face is the cost of such equipment. It’s truly expensive, but thanks to our foundation and the wheelchairs we provide for rent, dreams can come true. We also offer rafts and the necessary gear to help them participate in competitions.
Swimming is Health
Swimming for health – would you support this statement as a professional and athlete?
Absolutely. I trained in swimming for over a dozen years, and my daughters have been training for seven years now. Swimming is excellent for shaping the body, boosting immunity, and teaching discipline. If we swim for pleasure, it’s even healthier as it doesn’t strain the joints like running does, for example. Plus, the feeling after a well-done swim workout is truly exceptional.
Why Is It Worth Helping?
As you say, everyone has their own reason for helping. What is yours?
I have many reasons. I train for enjoyment and health. The fact that I can also help along the way motivates me even more. The time spent with children during competitions and bringing them joy is something truly special. I wish everyone could experience such emotions. We provide these opportunities and are happy to help with the organization.
Interview by Maciej Mazerant / Managing Editor of AQUA SPEED Magazine