Smart Environment charity foundation
Special Sport Online
Main values
Geography: Whole Russia
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
The project "Special Sport Online" is aimed at integrating children and teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and mental disabilities into the sports environment. It provides opportunities for swimming, trampoline gymnastics, karate, alpine skiing and orienteering. There are already sections in Yekaterinburg, where students of the project have won prizes in inclusive competitions and received sports titles.
The aim of the project is not only sports rehabilitation and social adaptation of the participants, but also their professional development.
The following methods are used to accomplish the project objectives
- Educating and motivating young coaches. Training of specialists capable of working with special children and teenagers.
- Support from professional sportsmen. Involvement of champions of various sports disciplines to supervise the project and work with participants.
- Practice expansion. Replication of successful techniques throughout the region to involve more children with ASD and mental disabilities in sport.
- Organization of remote trainings. In the context of the pandemic and restrictions on mass activities, the project adapts to the new realities by offering distance classes in martial arts, yoga and gymnastics to keep participants fit and maintain their communication skills.
The project "Special Sport Online" has already shown its effectiveness, and its development will allow children and teenagers with ASD and mental disabilities not only to adapt to life in society, but also to reach professional heights in sports. The joint efforts of coaches, specialists and the support of professional athletes create a foundation for future successes of the project participants on the international arena.
Relevance
According to statistics, the number of children with disabilities in the Sverdlovsk Region increased by 13% from 2017 to 2020, reaching 19,821. This underscores the growing need for specialized support programs.
Mental disorders, including ASD, account for 33.6% of the causes of primary disability, which indicates the need for targeted assistance to this group. However, the complete rehabilitation rate is only 5.6%, which is a wake-up call for improvement.
"Special Sport Online" offers a solution through physical activity and sports, which are effective tools for social adaptation and improving the quality of life. Sports helps not only in physical development but also in social integration, learning communication skills and improving self-esteem.
In a pandemic where direct contact is limited, the ability to train remotely becomes vital. It allows children to continue practicing sports while maintaining their normal rhythm of life and without losing the results they have already achieved. This is especially important for children with ASD and mental health conditions, for whom stability and regularity of sessions are of particular importance.
Supporting the "Special Sport Online" project in the Sverdlovsk Region will not only improve the lives of specific children and teenagers, but also contribute to a more inclusive and caring society. It is an investment in the future, where every child, regardless of his or her characteristics, will be able to find his or her place and realize his or her potential.
Social effect
Improving the physical and mental well-being of teenagers with ASD in Yekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk Region.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
According to the results of the study, 90% of parents noticed an improvement in their children's coordination, 70% noted an increase in flexibility, and 30% indicated an increase in muscle mass. Significant reduction in excess weight was observed in 17% of participants.
In the area of mental development, 90% of project participants showed improvement in following instructions, and 73% became more active in communicating with others. Half of the participants showed greater independence and improved time management skills, and 46% improved self-control and calmness abilities.
Surveys showed that the majority of participants rated the project highly, with most grading it "excellent." Many expressed a desire to use educational videos during summer vacation. All participants plan to continue exercising, including offline workouts.
In addition to physical exercise, the project promoted communication skills and social bonding. Participants also mastered distance learning techniques, learned how to work on the Internet and use popular online services.
Some participants have achieved impressive athletic results, including earning their first belt in capoeira. Parents and families of participants also received training, including online exercise principles and safety techniques.
The project methodology has been recognized and presented at various conferences and forums, emphasizing its significance and effectiveness. The program has proven its value during the quarantine and will continue to grow, providing opportunities for distance sports, especially important for people with limited mobility. This is especially true for school leavers who are unable to continue their education and need social interaction.
Project progress after CSS funding
The financial development of the "Special Sport Online" project, after the end of the current funding, will be supported by the Presidential Grants Foundation.
