The 16th Spartakiad of the Disabled in Łańcut County is behind us

Material prepared for the press.

On April 29, 2025, the 16th Spartakiad of the Disabled in Łańcut County took place in the facilities of the Municipal Sports and Recreation Center in Łańcut. This event has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of local integration and rehabilitation initiatives, proving the enormous value of both physical activity and a sense of belonging to the community for people with disabilities. The Spartakiad not only promotes a healthy lifestyle, but also creates a space in which people with various forms of disability can overcome barriers - both physical and social - and develop their skills in an atmosphere of mutual support and understanding.

Organizers and patronage

The initiative was implemented thanks to the cooperation of many institutions, the main organizers of which were: the District Office in Łańcut, the City of Łańcut and Caritas of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl, which runs the Non-public Rehabilitation and Educational Center in Wysoka. The co-organizers of this undertaking were: the District Center for Family Assistance in Łańcut and the Municipal Sports and Recreation Center. The media patronage over the Spartakiad was assumed by: Radio Fara, Radio Rzeszów, TVP3 Rzeszów and Telewizja Łańcut, which ensured the event not only a professional setting, but also a wide social reach.

Participants and games

This year's Spartakiad was attended by as many as 250 participants from various care, rehabilitation and educational facilities from across the county. Among them were, among others, charges from: the Non-public Caritas Rehabilitation and Educational Centre in Wysoka, the Community Self-Help Homes in Łańcut and Rakszawa, the Occupational Therapy Workshops in Białobrzegi, the Social Welfare Home in Łańcut, the Caritas Day Care Home in Łańcut, the Vocational Activity Centre of the "Contigo" Foundation from Wola Dalej, the Disabled People's Association "Adoń i My" and the Non-public Special Primary School "Niebieska Kraina" in Sonin.

All participants competed with great commitment in competitions adapted to their abilities – from classic basketball throws or table tennis to more humorous and integrative disciplines, such as balloon races or beret throws. The games also included: floorball, fitball throw, bowling, kicking into the goal and throwing a bean bag into the target. Each of these disciplines required different skills: motor coordination, precision, balance and reflexes. However, what mattered most was the spirit of sport, integration and good fun.

Therapeutic and social values ​​of the Spartakiad

Spartakiads for disabled people, such as the one organized for many years in Łańcut, are of great importance not only as sports events, but above all as therapeutic, educational and social undertakings. From the perspective of psychology and rehabilitation, physical activity plays a key role in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. Movement, competition in the spirit of fair play and the joy of participation stimulate emotional development, support cognitive processes and support building self-esteem. Participation in a spartakiad allows people with disabilities to experience successes, which in many cases can be motivating also outside the area of ​​sports - in everyday life, education or professional work. The integration aspect is also important. Such events break down social barriers, teaching acceptance, empathy and understanding. Having fun together, cheering, sharing emotions - all this brings people closer and teaches that diversity is not an obstacle, but a value.

The Spartakiad was also accompanied by artistic events, which gave the event additional color. The performance of the Brass Band from the Łańcut Commune Culture Center and the show of the "Gracja" Dance Ensemble from the Educational Complex in Łańcut showed that sports and culture go hand in hand - especially in the context of building a local community and supporting people with disabilities. This type of setting not only raises the profile of the event, but also allows participants to feel like part of a larger whole - a community that sees them, supports them and appreciates them.

Social responsibility and solidarity

Organizing the Spartakiad is an expression of the social responsibility of local institutions and local government authorities. It is also proof that cooperation is possible between various entities - secular and church, educational and care, local government and civic - in the name of the common good. In times when many people with disabilities still face barriers - not only physical, but also social and mental - initiatives such as the Spartakiad are a signal of change. They show that inclusion, not exclusion, can be the foundation of a healthy and modern society.

The XVI Spartakiad of the Disabled in Łańcut County is more than just a sports competition. It is a celebration of human determination, courage and joy. It is a space where every participant, regardless of their limitations, can feel like a winner. This event reminded us that true strength lies not only in muscles, but also in the heart - in readiness for action, in openness to others and in the ability to enjoy being together. The Spartakiad in Łańcut is a beautiful example of this - and let's hope that there will be more and more such events every year.

Those interested in supporting this type of initiatives carried out by Przemyśl Caritas are kindly requested to help (BANK PEKAO SA I O. Przemyśl 33 1240 2568 1111 0000 3629 7045).

Rev. Dr. Paweł Konieczny – Deputy Director of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl