This is what it's all about.
Exercise with joy – Exercise with friends – Exercise in a supportive environment without the pressure to perform. JOY of movement inclusive is an inclusive sports programme for children and young people with and without physical disabilities in Biel.
In my work as a paediatric physiotherapist, I regularly come across children who cannot find a suitable sports activity or who do not feel at ease in any sports programme. Engaging in physical activity for enjoyment – whether as a regular activity, as a follow-up to a therapy session, or alongside therapy – is of enormous importance for physical and mental health.
With this project, I aim to fill a gap in Biel and create sports and exercise opportunities for children and young people with physical disabilities. Many of these young people find it difficult to participate in existing sports activities due to their disabilities. They feel uncomfortable or excluded because these activities are not tailored to their specific needs.
My project is special because ...
Through my project, I aim to provide children and young people with a safe environment where they can move freely, without the pressure to perform, and discover the joy of physical activity. The training sessions are tailored to the individual abilities and needs of the participants, drawing on my expertise and experience as a paediatric physiotherapist.
In addition to the physical aspects, the project also aims to strengthen the participants’ social integration and self-confidence. Through interaction and taking part in sports alongside children and young people without disabilities, new friendships can form and the young people can learn to test their limits and believe in themselves.
My aim is to create an inclusive sports programme that gives children and young people, both with and without physical disabilities, the opportunity to realise their potential, enjoy being active and improve their health. In doing so, I hope to make a significant contribution to improving these young people’s quality of life and their participation in society.
It is a matter close to my heart to make the joy of exercise accessible to every child and young person. Exercise is essential for physical and mental health. Children and young people are becoming increasingly sedentary in today’s society, and those with physical disabilities even more so. This has serious consequences for their own health as well as for healthcare costs, and is therefore an issue that affects us all. The current range of sports activities in Biel for children and young people with physical disabilities is minimal. I would like to change that with this project. The plan is to start with two groups: a fitness group and an aikido group. I would like to be able to offer this service at cost price, and it is aimed at children and young people aged 11 and over. Depending on demand, I will expand and develop the programme.
This is what I need backing for.
In order to offer exercise and sports activities, I need a larger room. This room needs to be painted and fitted with tatami mats. I also need small equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, etc., and a changing room. Total project cost: CHF 6,000 / Tatami mats and wooden strips CHF 4,000 / Small fitness equipment CHF 300–500 / Painting work CHF 1,300
