Get ready for a revolution in sports for children with hearing impairments! The Fourth Equal Opportunity Sports Camp, which has been successfully held for three years in Zadar, is moving this year to Split, specifically to the Dr. Franjo Tuđman campus. But it’s not just the location that’s changing – the organizers have decided to raise the bar and narrow the age range of participants from 10-18 years to younger children, focusing on higher quality work with sports clubs in Split. This is not just a camp, it’s a movement that provides children with hearing impairments an inclusive, professional sports experience with top coaches and clubs. And it’s completely free! Three meals a day, sign language interpreters, workshops, excursions, and even STEM workshops introducing kids to artificial intelligence in a fun and educational way. The president of the Croatian Deaflympic Committee, Oliver Lušić, emphasizes that the camp is key to building a base of young athletes, with examples like Mia Nekić, a silver medalist at the World Discus Throw Championship, showing how valuable this program is. But it’s not just about sports – the camp has a strong social dimension, integrating children with hearing impairments into the hearing society and vice versa. Siblings of children with hearing impairments are also included to foster mutual understanding and connection. Hearing impairment is not a barrier, just one characteristic of a person that does not diminish their potential. Applications are open from July 1 to August 1 via a Google form. If you think this is just another sports camp, think again – this is a real chance to show how inclusion and sports can go hand in hand and change lives. What do you think about such initiatives? Is it time to expand these camps to other cities? Drop a comment and let your voice be heard!
