Barrier-Free Week in Odesa
«Our goal is to create a city where everyone feels free and comfortable,» stated Odessa's mayor, Gennady Trukhanov.
The recent event «Sports without Barriers» marked the conclusion of the national week of accessibility in Ukraine. Throughout the day, inclusive sports activities, workshops, and outdoor training sessions were held for residents, accessible to everyone regardless of their abilities.
«We are striving for a society where everyone can live, work, and develop without obstacles. This initiative was launched by our President and the First Lady of Ukraine. We work daily to eliminate barriers in all areas of life, especially for veterans, for whom sports play a vital role in integrating into society,» the mayor emphasized.
Advisor on accessibility matters, Alexey Morozov, noted that the week was incredibly productive, beginning with the launch of construction on the inclusive route «North - South» - the largest pedestrian area of its kind in Ukraine, part of the National Project «Movement without Barriers».
Alongside experts, key locations along the inclusive route were inspected, including recreational infrastructure along the coast. Plans are in place to open an updated inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Great Fountain and a sports area for people with disabilities. Additionally, the construction of a large inclusive swimming pool is planned, as sea waves can be a significant barrier for many individuals.
«We can confidently say that accessibility is a development strategy for our city, realized through concrete decisions and thoughtful spatial organization. The Council for Accessibility, which includes veterans and people with disabilities, sets our work's priorities,» said Alexey Morozov.
Odessa has also achieved significant success in adaptive sports. Recently, Odessa's veteran rowing team returned from Greece after completing a long route across the Aegean Sea. They also participated in a friendly race on yachts, «Heroes' Regatta - 2025,» organized in Dnipro in honor of Ukraine's Heroes Day. Furthermore, adaptive sports such as billiards, Thai boxing, and golf are actively developing.
«Everything we do takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, and people with limited mobility. Our goal is to create a barrier-free city where everyone can feel dignified and comfortable,» concluded Gennady Trukhanov.
