The Sports Association for the Disabled of Slovenia – Slovenian Paralympic Committee organizes four-day summer and winter Paralympic camps for families. Summer camps have been held in Laško since 2019, usually during the last weekend in August, and starting in 2024, winter camps for families are held on Rogla, typically at the beginning of February.
These camps are designed for children and young people with various disabilities and their families. The camps aim to introduce children and youth to various parasports they can engage in. On average, about 15-20 families participate in these camps.
A unique aspect of the Paralympic family camps is that children with disabilities are the centre of attention, with all activities tailored specifically to them. This is different from their everyday lives, where they often have to adapt to others. It’s important for the entire family to participate, allowing parents and siblings to see the capabilities of their child (or brother or sister).
Children enjoy parasports
At the camp, children meet parasports athletes and learn firsthand about the sports that might interest them. Children get to know and test themselves in various sports.
Some of them have developed a passion for a specific parasport at these camps and there are already some successful para athletes who got excited about sports at the camp.
Future parasports athletes and their parents also receive education on various topics at the camp. Some lectures are organized only for parents discussing parenting and other relevant topics.
Strong cooperation with CSR companies
The term “CSR company” refers to a company that actively engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. CSR involves a business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. CSR companies operate in ways that enhance society and the environment, instead of contributing negatively to them.
In 2022, Lek Pharmaceuticals joined the camp as a partner. Lek’s volunteers have been participating in the camp for several years, helping with sports activities and also organizing workshops with experiments for children. It is a company that is recognized in Slovenia and globally as an important CSR company.
Allianz SE works to improve the quality of life of young people and people with disabilities worldwide and to promote sustainable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. In this, they recognize the importance of sports for individual development, so they want to provide access to sports for everyone. Their partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Movement thus contributes to better education and employability, helping individuals achieve independent living.
This year too, the Allianz Foundation supported the implementation of socially responsible projects within the “Social Impact” and “MoveNow” initiatives. On the basis of the initiatives, individual Allianz companies around the world can obtain funds to carry out “MoveNow” camps in their country. Interest in supporting local communities is growing, as a record 53 applications were received this year. Allianz Slovenia was among the 31 recipient countries with a proposal to participate in the implementation of the Paralympic Camp for Families.