Under the motto ‘Whether you or I – everyone has a chance in sport’, the 5th Kindergarten Paralympics took place in the MOSiR hall. Vincent Pol University’s physiotherapy students and members of the VPU’s paediatric study circle took part in organising this unique event.
The main organiser of the event was the Integration Kindergarten number 39 in Lublin.
– Our students actively support the organisation of the Paralympics. They are the ones who carry out all the sporting competitions, which are tailored to children with both intellectual and motor disabilities. The students are responsible for running the entire Olympics making sure that every child can fully participate in the event and enjoy the sporting competition – says Katarzyna Bryzek, lecturer in the Physiotherapy course and coordinator of the VPU’s Paediatric Scientific Circle.
The Kindergarten Paralympics became not only a platform for sporting competition, but above all a place where children could feel special, make new friends and enjoy sport regardless of their limitations. Thanks to such initiatives, children with disabilities can integrate and develop their physical and social skills.
– This was the fifth edition of the Preschoolers’ Paralympics, and at the same time the first one after the break caused by the pandemic. I was very keen to resume this event because it brings joy to everyone: parents, children and carers – comments Monika Wójtowicz, director of the 39th Integrated Kindergarten in Lublin. And she adds: – We would like to thank the students of Vincent Pol University for their help in organising this event. Without their support, it would not have been possible to realise the whole event at such a high level.
The Kindergarten Paralympics is not only about supporting the development of children with disabilities, but also about promoting values such as inclusion, empathy and cooperation. For Vincent Pol University students, it is a valuable experience.