Taekwondo Federation of Tatarstan
The special way of special children
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
Regular exercise is key to supporting and controlling health in children.
Traditional martial arts, including taekwondo, adapted for children with autism and other mental disorders, have proven effective for their rehabilitation and skill development.
Adaptive taekwondo is cost-effective and can be accessible to children across the country. Experiences from Moscow and other regions in Russia have demonstrated its benefits.
Project Goals:
- expanding the geographical reach of regular adaptive taekwondo training;
- establishing new training groups in Kazan and other cities in Tatarstan;
- training coaches from Tatarstan in adaptive taekwondo;
- organizing a summer sports and wellness camp;
- holding an experience-sharing seminar for coaches from various regions in Russia.
Expected results:
- improved quality of life for children with neurological and mental health challenges through enhanced physical and mental health;
- development of sports infrastructure for children with disabilities in Tatarstan;
- promotion of inclusive approaches to training;
increased participation of children with disabilities in additional activities and comprehensive integration into society.
Relevance
Kazan will host the Special Olympics in 2022, marking a milestone for adaptive sports development in the city. Although taekwondo is not part of the Winter Games, the sports spirit itself and the increased public attention to the development of sports for people with intellectual disabilities provide a good foundation for launching a new and very necessary project.
Intellectual disabilities and developmental challenges are the leading causes of disability among children. Tatarstan is home to around 11,000 school-age children with special health needs, of which 8,000 have intellectual disabilities. Yet, sports programs for these children are insufficient to meet their needs.
National statistics show that only 19% of children with mental health conditions participate in sports, less than half the national average. A lack of accessible sports environments negatively impacts their physical and mental health, leading to inactivity and various health issues.
Development of adaptive taekwondo will:
- enable physical and social rehabilitation and adaptation for children with intellectual disabilities;
- broaden opportunities for their social integration;
- promote volunteerism and sponsorship in adaptive sports;
foster progressive attitudes toward sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
Social effect
Improving quality of life and inclusion in Tatarstan, socializing children with intellectual disabilities
KPI
KPI
Project Results
Children with developmental disabilities had their social, physical, and cognitive skills improved; boosted motivation and self-esteem; gained conditions for successful integration into society; adopted an active and healthy lifestyle; and their overall health improved.
Families raising children with disabilities gained additional rehabilitation opportunities, significantly enhancing their children’s development and health. They also benefited from opportunities to participate in family activities together, as well as informational and motivational support.
Coaches received methodological and practical support to aid in the development of adaptive taekwondo programs in their cities.
Project progress after CSS funding
The project continues to expand with support from the Presidential Grants Fund and has been extended to the Volga Federal District
