“JUDO INclusion“ is a project of physical activity which includes children with mental difficulties, social difficulties (autism, ADHD etc.), with sensory disadvantages and those of hearing and sight, children with motor difficulties and with the Down syndrome. One of principal tasks of this EU project is the education of general population of children to learn to accept and support their peers with developmental difficulties to become equal members of the community.

The European Social Fund is financing the project “JUDO INclusion“ – ACTIVE AND HEALTHY – RIJEKA. The association 'POKRET – AKTIVAN I ZDRAV' (MOVEMENT – ACTIVE AND HEALTHY) is implementing the project in Rijeka within the judo club “Rijeka,“ under the supervision of a professional team of physical education teachers. The Croatian Judo Union (HJS) is a partner of great significance as the top judo organisation in Croatia, which enables the implementation of the project in Rijeka and neighbouring towns. HJS is of exceptional import in training judo trainers for working with the target groups and enabling making the awareness connected to the integration of disabled persons and children with developmental difficulties into regular sport programmes.

Inclusion into everyday life of children with developmental difficulties (TUR) and their successful re-socialisation into society is a goal of the “JUDO Inclusion” project, which we are successfully implementing with the help of a professional team of physical education teachers – judo trainers, and the support coming from the family. Physical activity for the purposes of protecting and advancing health has a great preventive, transformational, curative and rehabilitative role. However, the integration of children with developmental difficulties into sport activities also enables their gradual inclusion into the environment, overcoming of the feeling of being lost, the feeling of inferiority in relation to other children and the feeling of being unable to do sports.

Wider benefits of the project “JUDO INclusion“ is great for every child who feels “different.” Children with developmental difficulties are more limited in participation in sports activities than their peers, while the gap increases with age. This is why “JUDO INclusion“ was initiated. A child with developmental difficulties has difficulties in socialisation and finds it hard to keep company with other children, because they feel “different,” and this easily results in isolation and exclusion from the environment. Children with developmental difficulties face each day what they cannot do, just like their parents. They will have an easier time if we encourage them to do what they can do, not what they cannot. “JUDO INclusion“ activities, in case of a child with special needs, foster the attitude of “I can do this,” instead of “I cannot do this.” Each day, judo will help them feel safer and more independent. What’s most important, they will feel happier. Social inclusion through judo is exceptionally useful for children with special needs, because it enables them to be active, socially and physically.

The impact of sport on health of children with developmental difficulties (TUR) - all children benefit from physical activity, and disabled children are no exception. Participation of children with developmental difficulties improves their physical, emotional and social welfare. Paediatricians and clinical research point to significant health benefits in case of including children with developmental difficulties into physical activities. Consequences of physical inactivity, in case of disabled persons, include lower cardio-vascular condition, osteoporosis and weakened circulation. Moreover, psycho-social consequences of inactivity include lower self-respect, lower social acceptance, and, finally, greater dependence on others for day to day activities. Advantages of physical activities are universal for all children, but children with developmental difficulties are more limited in their options for participation in sports and recreational activities, and, because of this, have higher obesity rates than their peers without disabilities. Current epidemic of obesity connected to inactivity is a global problem of health care for all children, including those with disabilities. Children with developmental difficulties have lower levels of cardio-respiratory condition, lower levels of muscle endurance and higher rates of obesity than other kids. Alongside, physiological advantages of lower body mass and increased overall condition, it has been proven regular physical activity in case of children with developmental difficulties helps in the control or slowing down the advancement of chronic disease, has impact on overall improvement of health and functioning in the sense of psycho-social impact onto children and their families. Physical activity develops a corresponding level of muscle strength and endurance, which is connected to increased bone mass, decreasing injuries from falls and a greater ability for everyday life. Because of what was stated above, parents of children with special needs often seek information on the options for recreation or inclusion into sport. We are here to help.