On 18 April 2019, within the project ”JudoINclusion,“ the expert work group for the creation of the plan for the implementation and exercising of children with developmental difficulties and the children belonging to the general population held a joint meeting. The work group was attended by the supervisors Tatjana Brumen Marčina and Dr Leonardo Bressan, coaches of the JC Rijeka; Slaviša Bradić, Aleksandar Obrovac, Sandra Uršić, and program leader Vitomir Spasović and activity coordinator Danica Juričić Spasović .

An analysis of the work done so far was conducted, in continuation to the agreement from the last meeting on the implementation of the first part of the program, and the following points were determined:

–     The activity of including judo children of the JC Rijeka belonging to the general population with the children with developmental difficulties was successfully implemented. General population kids (aged 14-17), when asked by the coach, voluntarily applied for participation in joint training sessions. The rhythm of joint sessions was agreed to proceed at one session in two weeks. As more children of the general population than necessary applied, it was agreed they would switch with all other children.

–  Within the participation of JC  Rijeka at the “Festival of Sports and Recreation – Homo si teć,“ children with developmental difficulties also participated in a judo demonstration in the ope (Karolina Riječka pier), aiming at inclusion.

–  Didactic equipment procurement was analysed, which is required for the implementation of exercising on the polygon, and it was determined this would increase the interest and the variety while implementing the judo training session. Additional procurement of other didactic equipment was also proposed, and including the exercise elements and dance to music (selection of music).

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.

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.