«Our goal is to create a barrier-free city where everyone can feel dignified and comfortable», stated Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov.
The week of barrier-free initiatives, declared at the national level, concluded in Odesa with a vibrant event titled «Sports Without Barriers». Throughout the day, inclusive sports locations, workshops, and outdoor training sessions were available for residents, regardless of their health status.
«We are building a society where everyone can live, work, and thrive without obstacles. Our President and the First Lady of Ukraine have initiated this vision. We strive daily to eliminate barriers in every aspect of life, paying special attention to our veterans, as sports are essential for their social integration», noted the Mayor of Odesa.
According to Olexiy Morozov, the city mayor's advisor on barrier-free spaces, the week was incredibly fruitful, starting with the construction of the pedestrian segment of the inclusive route «North – South» - the largest pedestrian path of its kind in Ukraine.
Moreover, experts inspected key locations along the inclusive route, particularly recreational infrastructure along the coastline. Currently, an updated inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Great Fountain is being prepared for opening, along with a sports field designed for people with disabilities. Plans include the construction of a large inclusive swimming pool, as sea waves can pose significant challenges for many individuals with disabilities.
«We can confidently say that barrier-free development is part of our city’s strategy, implemented through concrete decisions and thoughtful spatial organization. The Barrier-Free Council works on these issues, with veterans and people with disabilities as its members setting our work priorities», said Olexiy Morozov.
It is also worth noting that Odesa has made significant strides in adaptive sports. Recently, the Odesa veterans rowing team returned from Greece, where they completed a long route across the Aegean Sea. Additionally, athletes participated in a friendly race on boats titled «Regatta of Heroes - 2025» in Dnipro, organized for Ukraine's Heroes Day. Adaptive sports such as billiards, Thai boxing, and golf are also developing actively.
«Everything we are doing now takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, and low-mobility groups. From infrastructure and leisure areas to culture and sports development. Our goal is to create a barrier-free city where everyone feels dignified and comfortable», emphasized Hennadiy Trukhanov.
