«Our goal is to make Odessa a city without barriers, where everyone feels dignified and comfortable», stated the mayor of Odessa, Gennady Trukhanov.
The National Barrier-Free Week concluded in Odessa with an exciting event called «Sports for All». Throughout the day, inclusive sports activities, workshops, and outdoor training sessions were held, allowing people of all abilities to participate.
«We are building a community where everyone can live, work, and develop without obstacles. This initiative was started by our President and the First Lady of Ukraine. We are working daily to eliminate barriers in all aspects of life, with particular attention to our veterans, as for them, sports is not just an activity but a key to integration into civilian life», emphasized Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.
According to the advisor to the mayor on barrier-free issues, Alexey Morozov, the week was incredibly productive and began with the launch of construction works on the pedestrian section of the inclusive route «North - South», the largest pedestrian area of its kind in Ukraine as part of the National Project «Movement Without Barriers».
Additionally, experts inspected key locations along the inclusive route, particularly recreational infrastructure along the coast. Currently, an updated inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Great Fountain is being prepared for opening, along with a sports ground where people with disabilities can train. Plans are underway for the construction of a large inclusive pool, as sea waves can be a significant barrier for many people with disabilities.
«We can confidently say that barrier-free initiatives are a development strategy for the city, realized through concrete decisions and thoughtful space organization. The Barrier-Free Council, which includes veterans and people with disabilities, sets our priorities», stated Alexey Morozov.
It's important to note that Odessa has also made significant achievements in adaptive sports. Recently, the Odessa veteran rowing team returned from Greece, where they completed a long route across the Aegean Sea. Athletes also participated in a friendly rowing event during the «Regatta of Heroes - 2025» in Dnipro, organized for the Day of Heroes of Ukraine. Furthermore, adaptive sports such as billiards, Thai boxing, golf, and others are actively developing.
«Everything we do now considers the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, and low-mobility groups. From infrastructure and recreational areas to culture and sports development. Our goal is to create a barrier-free city where everyone feels dignified and comfortable», concluded Gennady Trukhanov.
