Festival of adaptive physical culture was held at Altai State University: photo report

On April 7, the first adaptive physical education festival in Russia for all students with health problems was held at Altai State University. About 100 students with various medical constraints took part in it, 16 teams in total.

“The festival was the first of its kind in Russia and aimed to create an inclusive environment for all students having health issues, and not just those with disabilities. Students with various medical constrains are included in a special medical group (SMG). While students with disabilities can participate in various types of adaptive sports, including the Paralympics, sports were inaccessible for the SMG children - they cannot compete on equal terms with healthy children. Our festival provides them with an opportunity to express themselves and spend time in an active way. The festival was not focused on competition, but rather on active recreation and attracting students to physical education,” noted Natalya Podberezko, an organizer of the Festival, associate professor of the Department of Physical Education, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.

For SMG participants, the exercises included raising legs from a supine position, bending forward from a standing position on a gymnastic bench, throwing a tennis ball at a target, throwing a ball into a hoop, and juggling a ball.

For participants with disabilities, the exercises included holding a 1 kg dumbbell with outstretched arms, bending forward from a sitting position, a penalty kick on an empty mini-goal, throwing bags into a hoop, and bowling.