Children in Motion: Together is Better

Quicker and more accurate reaction time and good concentration are just a few of the skills that 12-year-old David picked up through his love of badminton.   David’s autism has not stopped him from attending physical education activities in school or attending Perspektiva’s regular after school sports classes.   David draws inspiration from professional sports figures who encourage the kids to be stronger, more active and more resilient.  While David also enjoys volleyball and rhythmic sports, it’s clear that his real love is badminton.

 “Progress isn’t immediate,” says David’s father.  “But improvement is written all over his face.  We simply can’t stop, we need to continue and I see that David is seriously dedicated to doing so.”

 David’s parents are certain that he can become better socialized.  And the key to the socialization is sports.  David loves his physical education classes in school and eagerly attends additional classes.  His agitation disappears the minute he grabs a racket in his hands. According to David’s mother, much of his progress is due to his trainers, Olga and Igor.  Through their trainings, sport teaches how to communicate, think of others and support those around you.   “I was afraid, that David would have problems in dealing with other kids, but everything is much better than I had thought,” noted David’s father. “There’s such a positive atmosphere here, all the kids support one another and are eager to play together.  I dabbled in sports as well, but never thought that it could be so useful in developing and motivating children.”

 David is very subdued during his sport classes, speaks little, but plays with a fire in his eyes.  It’s evident that he’s found his home on the sports field.  When asked if he likes his regular sports activities, he nods vigorously.   And about his classes in badminton, David smiles and says “I like them a lot and would even play more often.”  

Eight-year-old Vanya has autism. He studies at inclusive school 1321 “The Ark” in Moscow. While he doesn’t enjoy all of his subjects in school, he loves his physical education (PE) class. Vanya may not be the most agile athlete in his class and he is not perfect at all types of team interaction, but he immensely enjoys his after-school sports classes. The benefits of his being physically active are very noticeable and have had a visible impact on Vanya’s well-being.
Perspektiva’s project, “Children in Motion, Together is Better,” has been under way at Vanya’s school for one and a half years. As part of this program, two times a week the coach holds sports classes for children with and without disabilities.
Vanya’s mom, Irina, points out that her son has gained new skills and is so much happier thanks to his participation in regular sporting activities. For instance, in the locker room, now he can get dressed and undressed and put his clothes back in his gym bag without any assistance. Vanya has also started calling people by their names and now he can distinguish adults from children.
“At these sports classes, Vanya feels safe”, says Irina.
Safety and security are critical issues for children to succeed, especially for children with autism. When safe and secure, a child can feel confident enough to communicate with the surrounding world more intensively, to develop his/her capabilities and recognize and enjoy his/her progress.
The project “Children in Motion, Together is Better” pays equal attention to physical exercise and to the creation of a welcoming and accessible environment. All tasks are adapted for each child to match his/her individual abilities and needs. Through individualized programs, each child gets a balanced training program and also experiences equal participation in the process. Even more importantly, there are no grades. The main prize is the endorsement of parents and teachers as well as more opportunities to enjoy sports with friends.
“The training atmosphere is very friendly,” Vanya’s mother explains. “Different kids train in one group, and everyone tries hard to do his best!”
The children also play football during their class which is a great opportunity for Vanya to improve coordination, speed and train his body to move in new ways while at the same time learning to play and communicate with other children. At present, Vanya’s favorite activity is to play basketball, another team sport.
Under “Perspektiva’s” project, PE teachers organize after-school activities, including going to football or basketball games, for the kids. These day trips with other classmates have also made a huge impression on Vanya.
The project “Children in Motion, Together is Better” has provided Vanya with so many opportunities to demonstrate his abilities and to continually strive to reach his full potential!