Позитивные изменения. Том 2, № 3 (2022). Positive changes. Volume 2, Issue 3 (2022)

STARFISH is an Aqua Club where the whole family can exercise and where everyone can find a wellness program that is right for them. Various classes are available for children and adults, including pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities. One advantage of STARFISH is potable-quality water in the swimming pools.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED

• A set of training programs covering every age group from 0+ does not exist;

• Family members having to split up to attend recreation activities in different locations;

• The concept of family wellness, wherein a team of coaches leads each family member and the family in general to the desired result, is non-existent;

• Number of swimming pools is inadequate to the number of children born;

• Lack of swimming pools with really clean water (compliant with SanPiN regulations);

• Lack of public awareness on the benefits of early swimming and prenatal aqua exercises for pregnant women;

• Lack of recreation facilities accessible to people with disabilities;

• Lack of inclusive programs for children with disabilities and their parents;

• Lack of hydrotherapy and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities within walking distance;

• General shortage of specialists specializing in infant, early childhood and sports swimming;

• Swim coaches experiencing burnout and lack of motivation.

METHODS USED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM

• Developing a set of wellness programs with a specific format for each age group;

• Introducing our own methodology for children’s classes;

• Organizing an accessible and inclusive environment for health, sports and recreation activities for people of all abilities;

• Compliance with all necessary standards in the construction and operation of the Aqua Club, including maintaining potable-quality water according to SanPiN regulations for infant pools;

• Developing own employee motivation system and implementing a personal development plan for each employee through project activities;

• Building a tradition of regular family celebrations and sports events in the Aqua Club territory and beyond, in order to maintain family traditions and strengthen the family institution;

• Partnering with organizations and representatives sharing STARFISH values and cultural references;

• Involvement in volunteer and charity activities through assistance and interaction with charitable foundations and other non-profits.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

In 2020, the club was piloted and confirmed its status of an Aqua Club with an accessible environment for children with disabilities. The Aqua Club collaborated with the Dobezhin School of Adaptive Physical Education. The School’s specialists conducted rehabilitation courses for children with disabilities at our swimming pools and gym.

In 2020, the STARFISH project concept was presented and appreciated by industry experts as particularly significant and unique at the First Water Forum event.

In 2021, STARFISH Aqua Club partnered with “The Great Ocean — International Festival at VDNKh.”

In 2021, open tours and master classes were conducted in STARFISH for Aqua Club leaders from all over Russia, providing methodological assistance and consultations.

In March 2022, the project received the status of a Social Enterprise.

The Good Place 2021 Award (presented annually to companies with the highest ratings according to user reviews and ratings on the Yandex website).

Aqua Club is marked on the nationwide Kid-friendly map as a place where you can safely go with your baby — to drink water, to rest, to wash your hands, to go to the bathroom.

Our swimming pools and swimming classes have been tested and recommended by the women’s clinic specialists and doctors at the maternity hospital at the Pletnev Municipal Clinical Hospital, Inozemtsev Municipal Clinical Hospital, and pediatricians at district clinics.

20+ partners and project ambassadors.

WHAT WAS DONE LAST YEAR

The following activities have been conducted since the opening of the Aqua Club on December 5, 2020:

• 12,920 classes for infants;

• 7,890 classes for children, adults and pregnant women in a counterflow pool;

• 1,720 classes for children with disabilities;

• 1,830 sessions of wellness massage, EMS and Alexeev Shower treatment;

• We have introduced and are successfully implementing new programs and combinations of exercises and recreational procedures;

• Held more than 30 cultural and sporting events to strengthen family values and develop Aqua Club traditions, more than 10 external and online partnership events;

• 3,450 family subscriptions out of the total of 6,000: two or more people from the same family are entered in the customer card;

• 4,500 subscriptions have been renewed, which proves that there is a recurring attendance of recreational activities at STARFISH;

• 270+ families a month attend STARFISH for recreation;

• 40+ children with disabilities attend STARFISH for recreation.

DIRECT RESULTS FOR 2021