Community Action Day in Odesa: Health and Recovery
A significant event titled "Community Action Day: Health and Recovery" took place in Odesa, organized under the mental health program "How are you?" supported by First Lady Olena Zelenska and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
This event showcased how sports and physical activity can serve as vital tools for improving mental health and overcoming stress. The core message of the event was that activity is always within reach. Participants included veterans, internally displaced persons, families with children, and senior citizens, along with sports professionals.
Main activities were held in Odesa's central square, featuring various events such as korfball, floorball, and badminton. Anna Velychko, the regional coordinator of the program, actively participated in the activities alongside the team from the Baltska community.
In addition to the main event, community activities took place across Odesa's districts. In the Oknian community, around 40 participants gathered in the local park for workouts and games. The Podil community hosted over 50 participants on a volleyball court, while the Dobroslav community saw more than 70 people joining in.
In the Krasnosil community, about 100 participants engaged in sports activities, while in the Bereziv community, 30 individuals participated in events at the local lyceum. The Chornomorsk village community had around 30 seniors and people with disabilities enjoying accessible exercises.
In the Velykodalnytska community, 38 children and youth took part in active games. Following the public segment of the event, a meeting was held with project coordinators and mental health service providers.
Overall, Community Action Day gathered 458 participants across various Odesa communities, reaffirming the link between mental and physical health. This event was part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the "How are you?" program, initiated by the First Lady.
The program is supported by the Coordination Center of the Cabinet of Ministers with assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO).
