A project, identified by the number 2023-1-PL01-KA210-YOU-000160414, was conducted under the Erasmus+ program. Its focus was on “Empowering youth with disabilities through sports,” and it took place in the village of Murzasile, Poland.

The first day started with a group gathering, allowing participants to connect and share their emotions and expectations for the upcoming week through a fun game. After that there was a short free time which they used to explore Murzashile and enjoy the pleasant view of the mountain. For the rest of the day, they took part in a group training organized by the Handicap Foundation, where they were invited to join in the exercises and games at the end of the training. As a finale, a group meeting was held again, where everyone had the opportunity to share their impressions of the day.

On the second day, the program included a visit to the city of Vistula, where the participants witnessed the Eleven National Special Olympic Winter Games. Despite the warm weather and melting snow, they were able to see the end of the race. During the rest of the day, the participants walked around the ski town and finished with a group gathering at the villa.

The third day started with the creation of a handbook that explains how people with disabilities are doing in different countries and which aids they use. After a short break, the participants headed to the city of Zakopane and the Gubalowka peak, where their goal was to examine and identify “positive and negative” examples of environmental accessibility for people with disabilities. After dinner, they had the opportunity to discuss their observations and compare them to their hometowns.

The fifth day was their last day of work. Participants recorded a short podcast to conclude their activities. Each team had the opportunity to choose a topic and record their “podcast” in their native language. During the rest of the day, everyone could prepare for the international cultural evening. Then each team presented its country and its characteristic customs, holidays, music and different dishes.

And on the last sixth day, the participants went on a hike through the beautiful mountain range to the largest and fourth deepest lake in the Tatras – “Sea Eye”.

During the past week, everyone who participated was able to gain new knowledge, skills and valuable experience. The participants got the opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories, challenges and work style. In the process, they improved their communication skills, their effectiveness in teamwork, as well as their ability to adapt to new environments and solve different problems. In conclusion, traveling to Poland was not only educational, but also an exciting and unforgettable experience filled with many positive emotions.

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