Since April 2, 2020, the Budgetary Institution Valakampiai Social Services Home has been implementing the project “Promotion of Physical Activity for Persons with Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities”, funded by the Sports Support Fund of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.
During the implementation of the project, outdoor exercise equipment was purchased and health-promoting activities for residents were launched.
Normantas leads outdoor exercise sessions for the residents twice a week using the outdoor fitness equipment. I asked Normantas and several residents to share their experiences of the sessions, including how they are conducted, which exercises they enjoy the most, and how they feel afterwards.
Normantas: “Every week, the residents wait for me by the outdoor exercise equipment, smiling and in good spirits. They willingly try to perform all the exercises I explain, stay positive, and eagerly look forward to finding out what exercise we will do next. It is very important to communicate and chat with everyone during the sessions. Maintaining a positive atmosphere makes exercising even more enjoyable. Even those residents who do not want to or are unable to perform the exercises at that particular time are very happy to watch the sessions and join in by clapping or smiling. After warming up, we move on to the outdoor exercise equipment. The residents really look forward to this part of the session. They especially enjoy the machine where you simply stand and swing your legs. It does not require much effort, but it has a very strong effect on the legs. Whenever I exercise with the residents, I receive positive feedback about improvements in their physical condition and mood, and they tell me that they are looking forward to the next session. I feel that I am doing truly important work by leading these exercise sessions and helping the residents maintain good physical health and a positive mood.”
Kristina: “I really enjoy exercising. I especially like exercises with balls.”
Jefrosinija: “I enjoy exercising. I like exercises with balls and the exercise equipment for the arms.”
Paulius: “I enjoy exercising with Normantas. I like the exercise equipment.”
I encourage everyone to follow the example of the residents of Valakampiai Social Services Home and spend as much time as possible outdoors and stay physically active. Especially since the summer is warm and our nature is so beautiful.
Deputy Director for Social Affairs Virginija Paulauskytė
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