On Wednesday, May 20, Powiatowy Zespół Szkół i Placówek Specjalnych in Bolesławiec hosted the XI Regional Athletics Games. More than 60 athletes took part, including residents of Warsztaty Terapii Zajęciowej in Bolesławiec, II Środowiskowy Dom Samopomocy in Bolesławiec, Zespół Placówek Edukacyjno-Wychowawczych in Lwówek Śląski, Zespół Placówek Specjalnych in Legnica, Specjalny Ośrodek Szkolno-Wychowawczy in Zgorzelec and Zespół Szkół Specjalnych in Lubin.
“This year, the format of the competition has been changed,” Dariusz Kwaśniewski told the IstotneInformacje.pl portal Dariusz Kwaśniewski, a member of the Bolesławiec County Board. “Previously, only children with mild intellectual disabilities took part in the games. This year, children with more severe disabilities were also invited to join in.”
The competition was held at Zespół Szkół Handlowych i Usługowych. Athletes with disabilities competed in events such as target throwing, tug-of-war, an obstacle-course race and ball rolling. Athletes with full motor skills competed in the long jump, threw a palant ball and ran various distances. Two inclusive relays were also held.
“Movement brings joy—not only to able-bodied people, but also to people with disabilities. For many of them, movement is the only form of communication,” said Zdzisława Woźniak, director of Powiatowy Zespół Szkół i Placówek Specjalnych. “Often in the afternoons, for various reasons, people with disabilities remain confined to their homes and rarely go outside. Seeing the joy on the face of every participant in the games, we know that it is worthwhile—and necessary—to organize events like these,” she added.
The winners of the games were presented with their awards by Deputy County Head Stanisław Chwojnicki and Dariusz Kwaśniewski. The Bolesławiec County Office provided honorary patronage for the event. The competition was co-organized by Zespół Szkół Handlowych i Usługowych and Międzyszkolny Ośrodek Sportowy.
(PZSiPS/ii information)