On 13–14 June, an international open-water swim took place on Lake Orta in Italy Oceanman Lake Orta. Nearly 1,400 athletes from 64 countries took part in the competition. The Ukrainian team of veterans with severe injuries and amputations competed in the overall standings IRON WARRIORS Swim Team.

All five team members crossed the finish line, secured podium places in their respective categories and qualified for the Oceanman World Final!

For a travel concierge service FlyPoint This project goes beyond the traditional booking of tickets or hotels. We have taken the lead a full co-organiser of the initiative, taking charge of negotiations with the international organising committee, securing support from partners, and arranging specialised, accessible logistics.

Results of the Ukrainian veterans’ swim

All members of the IRON WARRIORS Swimteam successfully completed their races, set personal bests and qualified for the final:

FlyPoint’s contribution: negotiations and barrier-free logistics

Organising a trip for a team of athletes with amputations requires careful attention to the details that affect their safety and physical comfort whilst travelling.

1. Agreement on slots

FlyPoint has taken charge of direct communication with the Oceanman International Organising Committee. Following negotiations, the tournament organisers have provided Ukrainian veterans with free starting slots (tickets) to take part in the swim.

2. Accessibility audit and accommodation stock

A basic hotel search does not guarantee true inclusivity. When selecting accommodation, the FlyPoint team manually checked the following:

• the width of the doorways in the rooms and bathrooms;
• the absence of high thresholds and steps on the way to communal areas;
• the provision of handrails and adapted shower cubicles for wheelchair users.

3. Specialised air transit

Arrangements for the team’s flight had been agreed in advance with the airlines and airports:

• special procedural support during boarding and disembarkation;
• Terms and conditions for the free transport of mobility aids, wheelchairs and prosthetics.

Organisers, partners and mission

As well as achieving sporting results, the team’s participation in the swim was intended to draw attention to the initiative “The Faces of Heroes”, a project focusing on reconstructive surgery and the rehabilitation of servicemen’s faces following injuries.

The project was carried out thanks to the collaboration of several organisations and businesses:

• Organisers: BF YANKO Fund (comprehensive sports rehabilitation for veterans), IRON WARRIORS SPORT HUB and a tourist concierge service FlyPoint (co-organisation and travel logistics).
• Main partners: Oschadbank and Mastercard, and an international IT company OBRIO.
• Training partners: Heabit, TYR, K-Team
• Media partners: United24, ELLE, 1+1, Hromadske, Ukrinform
• International support: Organising Committee Oceanman (provision of free slots).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about logistics for passengers with reduced mobility

How do I go about booking airport assistance for a passenger in a wheelchair?

The exact deadlines depend on your airline’s policies, but in most cases, you must book the Special Assistance service at least 48 hours before departure. When contacting the airline or travel agent, it is important to specify the dimensions, weight and type of the wheelchair’s battery. The airport assistance service, from check-in to boarding, is free of charge.

How can I check whether a hotel is accessible to wheelchair users before booking?

The descriptions on the website are often insufficient, especially when it comes to smaller resorts. That is why it is worth checking the exact measurements (either yourself on site or by asking partners or hotel staff). The width of doorways (which must be at least 80 cm), the absence of thresholds, the presence of handrails in the bathroom, the dimensions of the lift and the height of the bed.

What are the rules for transporting wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs on a plane?

Mobility aids are carried by airlines free of charge in addition to the standard baggage allowance. If the wheelchair is electrically powered, you must provide the technical specifications of the battery (dry, gel or lithium-ion) in advance to obtain permission for carriage. Each airline has its own requirements for the carriage of wheelchairs – it is worth checking in advance.