Pula, 2. April 2021. – On World Autism Awareness Day, in scope with Special Power League project, Health Life Academy Association initiated the European Mile campaign in Pula, Croatia.
From the famous Roman amphitheatre located in Pula, more than 150 participants which included children and youth, parents, PWID, trainers, associates in working with PWID and other started collecting miles for a good cause. Campaign was initiated on the symbolic date that celebrates World Autism Awareness Day, in order to draw the attention of the public around the world to the growing problem of this complex disorder. As part of the European Mile event, participants took a walk on a beautiful walking trail in the woods near the shore where each participant collected and donated more than 2 km.
The participants of the Erupean Mile were members of Health Life Academy Association, SU “Veliko srce” from Koprivnica, the Association for Autism Pogled Nedelišće, School for children with disabilities Pula, the association “Sindrom Down 21 Split”, Next Level Talents, Istarski pljočkarski savez (IPS), Association Latice, Croatia football clubs (HNK Hajduk, NK Istra 1961, NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica, NK Međimurje Čakovec).
In the specific pandemic time, the campaign was held on a smaller scale, respecting the recommendations of the competent epidemiological service and all relevant institutions and measures. Project activities were adapted to the pandemic situation and, above all, took care of the health of the participants.
Furthermore, the campaign was implemented along with the project Special Power League – sports league for children with disabilities. The project was established in 2018, initiated by the Health Life Academy Association and joined by Croatian Football Federation (HNS), Croatian Handball Federation (HRS), Mateo Kovačić Foundation, Croatian Paralympic Association, SILab Association, Association ‘Veliko Srce’ from Koprivnica, Association ‘Pogled’ from Nedelišće, Association for Down Syndrome 21 Split, School of Education Pula, Educational centers for children with disabilities from: Rijeka, Osijek, Čakovec, Velika Gorica, as well as football and handball clubs from Croatia and abroad. The basic idea of the project is to motivate children with disabilities to actively integrate into society through sports activities.
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