In the next issue of the Judo IN magazine, the feature is a conversation with the parents of children who are included in the adjusted judo programme in the Judo Club Rijeka. The following is what mums are saying: “It’s like walking on the Moon for my child. Rafo had not even crawled earlier. With Sandra, he is moving and walking in all directions. I shall be able to dance with him,” Asja Maslak adds; she is the mother of Ivan-Rafael. Smiljana Višić, Klara’s mother, remembers how she, at first, refused to bring her daughter to the inclusive judo programme. “When the teacher at the school invited us to enrol our children with developmental difficulties into judo, I said this wasn’t for Klara. However, she persuaded me to bring her to a presentation of the programme. But, how will my Klara fall? – this kept running through my head. Klara, on account of cerebral palsy, has issues with weight, and, because of anti-epileptics she can be fairly stiff. But I am no longer afraid, she can fall rather well with the help of Sandra, and she is motivated to use her right side of the body much more. I would recommend each parent to try the programme without any fear the children would get hurt; the programme is truly adjusted to children with developmental difficulties, and the coach, Sandra Uršičić, is greatly dedicated just to them.”

The benefits of the project “JUDO INclusion“ – AKTIVAN I ZDRAV (ACTIVE AND HEALTHY) – RIJEKA, which is financed by the EU Social Fund, is great for any child that feels “different.” 

Children with developmental difficulties are more limited in their participation in sports activities than their peers, while the gap grows with. This is why “JUDO INclusion“ was initiated. A child with developmental difficulties also experiences problems in socialization, and finds it hard to hang out with other children, because they feel different, all of which quite likely results in isolation and exclusion from the environment. Children with developmental difficulties face what they cannot do on a daily basis, just like their parents. It will be much easier for them if we encourage them to focus on what they can actually do – not on what they cannot.

The implementation of the project is co-financed by EU, from the European Social Fund.  

For further information on EU funds, please visit the webpage of the Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds: www.strukturnifondovi.hr

Content of the webpage is the exclusive responsibility of the association Pokret – aktivan i zdrav (Movement – Active and Healthy), an association for the promotion of physical activity.