«Our goal is to create a space where everyone can realize their potential without barriers,» said Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.
The National Barrier-Free Week concluded in Odessa with a grand event titled «Sports Without Barriers». Throughout the day, residents had the opportunity to participate in various sports activities, including workshops and outdoor training sessions, available to all regardless of physical capabilities.
«We aim to build a society where every individual can pursue their dreams and potential without hindrance. This initiative was set forth by our President and the First Lady of Ukraine. We are continuously working to eliminate barriers in all aspects of life, especially focusing on supporting veterans, for whom sports serve as a vital element of reintegration into society,» the mayor added.
According to the city mayor's advisor on barrier-free spaces, Alexey Morozov, the week proved to be incredibly successful. It started with the commencement of construction on the pedestrian part 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, including recreational facilities along the coast. Currently, an updated inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Great Fountain is being prepared, as well as a sports area where individuals with disabilities can train. Plans also include the construction of a large inclusive swimming pool, as sea waves can pose significant obstacles for many people with disabilities.
«We can confidently say that barrier-freeness is a development strategy for the city, implemented through specific decisions and thoughtful space organization. The Barrier-Free Council, which includes veterans and people with disabilities, defines the priorities of our work,» Alexey Morozov stated.
It is worth noting that Odessa has also achieved significant success in adaptive sports. Recently, the Odessa veterans’ rowing team returned from Greece, where they successfully completed a long route across the Aegean Sea. They also participated in a friendly race in boats during the «Regatta of Heroes - 2025» in Dnipro, organized for Ukraine's Heroes Day. Adaptive sports such as billiards, Thai boxing, golf, and others are also actively developing.
«Everything we are doing addresses the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, and mobility-impaired groups. This applies to infrastructure and recreational areas as well as culture and sports development. Our goal is a barrier-free city where everyone feels dignified and comfortable,» Gennady Trukhanov concluded.
