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Project RITA 2.0 (2024-2025)

INTERNATIONAL GRANT PROJECT:
“Ukrainian Center for Occupational Therapy through Sports
for People with Disabilities VOL 2.0″

In 2024, the Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities, together with a consortium of partners, received the international grant RITA- “Changes in the Region” “Ukrainian Center for Occupational Therapy through Sport for Disabled People vol 2.0”

 

CONTACTS:
Organizing and conducting classes at the center

Igor Petruk, Project coordinator
Email: igordoc.ua@gmail.com
Phone: +38 098 258 7480

 

 

Other project issues
Alina Kruhliak, Head of the International Project Department
Email: international@megu.edu.ua
Phone: +38 067 875 2425
Address: Ukraine, Rivne, Stepana Demyanchuk St. 4, office 1203

 GENERAL INFORMATION:

Name: “Ukraińskie centrum terapii zajęciowej poprzez sport osob wyszymnychnych VOL 2.0”.
Implementation period: 01.01.2025 – 30.09.2025.
Financing: Polish-American Freedom Foundation within the framework of the RITA program – “Changes in the Region”, implemented by the Education for Democracy Foundation.
Project implementer: AZS WSG Association (Bydgoszcz, Poland)

PARTNERS:

  • University of Economics in Bydgoszcz (Poland)
  • Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities “
  • Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports (Kharkiv)
  • Ivan Boberskyi Lviv State University of Physical Culture (Lviv)

TEAM (IUEH):

  1. Igor Petruk, Project coordinator, senior lecturer at the Department of Human Health and Physical Therapy.
  2. Alina Kruhliak, Project co-coordinator, Head of the international and project department.
  3. Olena Sirman, Associate Professor, Department of Human Health and Physical Therapy.
  4. Kateryna Zaruzhko, student of the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education, 2nd year, specialty 227 – Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy.
  5. Ivanna Lukianchuk, student of the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education, 3rd year, specialty 227 – Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy.

PROJECT BASIS: Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center of the Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities.
PROJECT GOAL: Conducting occupational therapy using adaptive games for people with health problems, internally displaced persons, military personnel, and children of different age categories for the purpose of physical rehabilitation, social and psychological adaptation.
CENTER VISITORS: internally displaced persons, persons with health problems, military personnel.
ADAPTIVE GAMES: Kulbuto, Jacolo, Elastic, Paka-Laka, Cornhole, Boccia, Shuffleboard, Mini-Curling.

STAGES OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION:

Stage 1: Training of instructors from Ukraine in Poland (24-30.03.2025).
Stage 2: Regular sports events at Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center (April – September 2025).
Stage 3: Final competition.
Stage 4: Reporting conference (September).
Stage 5: Reporting (October)

PROJECT RESULTS:

  • Result 1. Increasing the number of people with disabilities actively participating in sports activities by at least 150 participants in three centers in Ukraine.
  • Result 2. Improving the skills and knowledge of 9 trained instructors in working with people with disabilities and methods of organizing sports activities.
  • Result 3. Organization of at least 3 local sports tournaments in which participants will have the opportunity to compete and demonstrate their acquired skills.
  • Result 4. Development and implementation of sports programs for people with disabilities, which will be continued after the project is completed.
  • Result 5. Raising public awareness of adaptive sports through publications in local media and organizing open days.
  • Result 6. Improving adaptation to the conditions created as a result of the war in Ukraine, reducing the impact of adverse factors on various aspects of life, such as physical and mental health, social interaction and quality of life, improving fine motor skills, cognitive functions, proprioception and balance.

STAGE 1 – TRAINING OF INSTRUCTORS FROM UKRAINE IN POLAND

  • Recruitment of staff and students to implement the project based on internal recommendations from partner universities, taking into account professional experience and field of study. Special advantages are given to individuals who work with people with disabilities, as well as those with a psychological education.
  • Teaching staff – teachers from three partner universities for a training program on conducting classes in therapy and rehabilitation through sports. The training includes 2 representatives from each university who work in open centers and will transfer the acquired knowledge to the next generation of students.
  • Students – a group of 6 students (two from each university) studying in specialties related to physiotherapy, psychology and physical education. After completing their studies, they will act as instructors in their centers, supporting people with disabilities in their rehabilitation and reintegration process.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

  • Day 1: Opening of training, introduction to sports for people with disabilities and introduction to the “inclusion” method. Participants will undergo a preliminary test of knowledge about sports for people with disabilities and the principles of its organization. The practical workshop will include training in wheelchair mobility, including belaying techniques and overcoming obstacles.
  • Day 2: A seminar on supporting people with visual and hearing impairments, which will be held at the Brjiel School and Specialized School No. 3 in Bydgoszcz. Participants will learn about techniques for supporting people with visual and hearing impairments, as well as the principles of communication and support in everyday situations. In addition, there will be a seminar on bocce as a Paralympic sport, which will cover the rules of the game and methods of effective support for people with disabilities in this sport.
  • Day 3: Practical workshops on table tennis for people with disabilities, archery and wheelchair basketball. Participants will be able to learn the rules and techniques of playing these sports, as well as methods of conducting classes that will allow people with disabilities to actively participate in these disciplines. The workshops will be held in specially adapted sports facilities that will provide appropriate conditions for training and practice.
  • Day 4: Workshops on swimming for people with disabilities and water activities, which will include swimming techniques adapted to the needs of the participants. In addition, there will be a workshop on paraboxing and sitting crossfit. Participants will be introduced to the rules and techniques of these disciplines, which will contribute to the development of physical activity and involvement in sports.
  • Day 5: Workshops on organizing tournaments and competitions for people with disabilities. Participants will take part in a simulation of organizing a tournament using the “inclusion” method. The workshops will cover logistical aspects, event planning, and preparation for competitions in various sports disciplines. Participants will gain practical skills necessary for organizing sports events. At the end of the day, there will be a summary of the knowledge gained and a final test to assess the skills and knowledge of the participants.

PROJECT NEWS:

  1. Receiving a grant (03.12.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/megu-vigrav-noviy-grant-rita-polscha
  2. Coordination meeting (31.01.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/koordynatsiyna-zustrich-vykonavtsiv-polskoho-hrantu-rita-20
  3. Start of grant implementation (24.03.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/v-mehu-startuvav-pershyy-etap-mizhnarodnoho-hrantu-rita
  4. Academic mobility of students and teachers (24-30.03.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/akademichna-mobilnist-v-ramkakh-hrantu-rita-v-polshchi
  5. Official opening of the second stage (02.05.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/vidkryttya-ii-etapu-mizhnarodnoyi-prohramy-rita-u-polsko-ukrayinskomu-adaptatsiynomu
  6. Tournament (17.05.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/provedennya-vyyiznykh-zanyat-polsko-ukrayinskym-adaptatsiynym-tsentrom-mehu
  7. Tournament (20.05.20250:
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/volontery-mehu-ta-prohrama-rita-pidtrymka-reabilitatsiyi-viyskovosluzhbovtsiv
  8. Tournament at the Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center (06.06.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/u-polsko-ukrayinskomu-tsentri-mehu-vidbuvsya-turnir-z-adaptyvnykh-ihor
  9. Training for assistants to persons with disabilities and assistants to children with inclusive education (20.08.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/provedennya-lektsiy-ta-treninhiv-dlya-pomichnykiv-osib-z-obmezhenymy-mozhlyvostyamy-ta
  10. Classes at the Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center (20.08.2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/zanyattya-u-polsko-ukrayinskomu-adaptatsiynomu-tsentri-mehu-suprovid-ta-dopomoha-osobam
  11. Tournament of the Kornyn Lyceum (September 18, 2025):
    https://www.megu.edu.ua/uk/vsi-novini/mizhnarodna-prohrama-rita-vyyizni-zanyattya-polsko-ukrayinskoho-adaptatsiynoho-tsentru

STATISTICS

VISITORS TO THE CENTER: internally displaced persons, persons with health impairments, military personnel.
Total number of visits – 370
Total number of participants – 120

Of these:
People with various organ and system disorders = 65 people (54%)
Military personnel = 11 people (17%)
People with motor function disorders = 39 people (60%)
IDPs with various organ and system disorders = 15 people (23%)
Internally displaced people– 38 people (32%)
Others – 17 people (14%)

Age indicators:
Youngest participants – 6 years old
Average age of participants – 11 years old
Oldest participants – 66 years old

Survey:
Indicators of participant satisfaction with adaptation games: (50 people)
90% (45) – very satisfied
8% (4) – partially satisfied
2% (1) – neutral

ACTIVITIES

The results of the first project within the RITA program were successful, and the university was given the opportunity to continue and expand its activities. Thus, the Academician Stepan Demianchuk International Economic and Humanitarian University, together with a consortium of partners, won an international grant from RITA-Partner Projects for “Ukrainian Center for Occupational Therapy through People with Disabilities VOL 2.0.” The project will be implemented until September 30, 2025, at the Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center. Thanks to the project, teachers and students of the Faculty of Health, Physical Culture, and Sports completed an internship program in Poland and gained experience working with children and people with special needs. The main result of the project was improved adaptation to the conditions created by the war in Ukraine, reduced impact of adverse factors on various aspects of life, such as physical and mental health, social interaction, and quality of life, and improved fine motor skills, cognitive functions, proprioception, and balance.

On January 31, 2025, the first online meeting of the project implementers took place. The coordinator from IUEH, senior lecturer of the Department of Human Health and Physical Therapy Ihor Petruk, together with the head of the international project department Alina Lavreniuk, discussed the key aspects of the project. During the meeting, they discussed with colleagues a plan of measures aimed at achieving the key objectives and results of the project, namely: increasing the number of people with disabilities who will participate in sports activities; improving the skills and knowledge of instructors in working with people with disabilities and methods of organizing sports activities; organizing local sports tournaments in which participants will have the opportunity to compete and demonstrate their acquired skills; developing and implementing sports programs for persons with disabilities, which will continue after the project is completed; raising public awareness of adaptive sports through publications in local media and organizing open days.
The first part of the project began with visits by teachers and students from the IUEH to the Polish city of Bydgoszcz, where participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences, gain practical skills, master new rehabilitation techniques, broaden their scientific horizons, and take part in training programs.

From March 24, 2025, to March 30, 2025, the project coordinator, senior lecturer at the Department of Human Health and Physical Therapy, Igor Petruk; associate professor at the Department of Human Health and Physical Therapy, Olena Sirman; students of the Faculty of Health, Physical Culture and Sports of IUEH joined the academic mobility program in Bydgoszcz, Republic of Poland.

The program was coordinated by the main implementer of the project, AZS WSG (Poland). During the program, all participants underwent preliminary testing, took part in lectures and practical training sessions, learned about sports for people with disabilities, and acquired skills in wheelchair mobility, safety techniques, and overcoming obstacles. One of the program’s activities was a visit to a Braille school in Bydgoszcz for people with visual and hearing impairments, where participants took part in a seminar and learned techniques for supporting people with visual and hearing impairments.

The teams of performers had the opportunity to participate in practical classes in goalball for blind people, master the methods of conducting classes and practical skills at a seminar for people with disabilities in such adaptive sports as table tennis, archery, and participate in practical classes in paraboxing. Particularly impressive and useful were the water activities classes in the rehabilitation process for persons with disabilities in the swimming pool of the University of Economics in Bydgoszcz.
During the visit, the delegation also visited Iron Arena in Poznań and joined in rehabilitation and social adaptation classes for people who use wheelchairs and prostheses, using CrossFit techniques. Military personnel from Ukraine also took part in classes using integration in this arena.
Teachers and students successfully passed the tests and received international certificates. For the further implementation of the project, IUEH received additional equipment: 2 Cornhole games, 1 Boccia game, and an active functional wheelchair.

On May 2, the Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center at IUEH hosted the launch of the second stage of the project “UKRAINSKIE CENTRUM TERAPII ZAJECIOVEJ POPRZEZ SPORT OSOB NIEPELNOSPRAWNYCH VO 2.0” (Ukrainian Center for Occupational Therapy Through Sport for People with Disabilities 2.0). Specialized classes for people with disabilities were held, which became an important step in creating a sustainable program of physical and social rehabilitation. The event was marked by the active participation of instructors and student volunteers from the Faculty of Health, Physical Culture, and Sports, who helped organize and conduct the training sessions. The main feature of these classes was the use of adaptive sports games, such as Cornhole, Boccia, Kulbutto, Jacolo, Elastic, and Paka-Laka. These games not only contributed to the development of fine motor skills and postural control, but also improved communication skills, promoted socialization among participants, and encouraged them to lead an active lifestyle. Parents of people with disabilities who participated in the event expressed their particular gratitude. They emphasized the importance of such initiatives for supporting the health and emotional well-being of their children, and expressed their hope that such activities would continue in the future.

On May 17, student volunteers from the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports held an off-site class at the Zerno Child Development Center in Zdolbuniv as part of the project. Among the visitors were children with various physical disabilities and internally displaced persons. During the class, special tasks were performed using adaptive games in accordance with the specific health conditions of the participants. The center’s managers and the parents of the visitors emphasized the importance of continuing such classes in the future. The main result was the activity of the visitors, their positive emotions, and requests for future classes.
On May 20, student volunteers from the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports held classes for military personnel and people with disabilities at the Krok City Rehabilitation Center.

     

Among the visitors to the class were military personnel who had suffered severe gunshot wounds to the musculoskeletal system and were undergoing rehabilitation, as well as people with various motor function impairments. Of particular note, was the significant positive change in the psychological state of the military personnel during the adaptive games. The management of the rehabilitation center expressed their gratitude for our active participation in the rehabilitation program, and an agreement was reached to continue our cooperation in the future.

On June 6, as part of the RITA – Przemiany w regionie program, an adaptive sports tournament was held. Visitors to the center took part in the event, including internally displaced persons and people undergoing rehabilitation after musculoskeletal disorders. The tournament was held in a friendly atmosphere, filled with sporting excitement and support. Particular attention was paid to evaluating the effectiveness of the classes — student volunteers from the Faculty of Health, Physical Culture, and Sports, led by project coordinator Igor Petruk, conducted surveys and special tests on fine motor skills and progressive control.
On August 20, 2025, the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports, in cooperation with the Regional Center for Social Services, held a lecture and training session for assistants to persons with disabilities and assistants to children with inclusive education.
The lecture on “Mobile support for persons with disabilities and first aid” was given by Igor Petruk, senior lecturer at the Department of Human Health and Physical Therapy, sports medicine doctor. The audience was familiarized with the use of technical means of physical rehabilitation, the rules for accompanying persons with disabilities, and first aid in emergency situations. The participants also underwent training on the use of wheelchairs in risky areas and large crowds.


The training participants took part in a session at the Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center. The coordinators of the RITA international program and student volunteers from the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports familiarized those present with the rules for accompanying and ensuring the safety of persons with disabilities during the adaptive games of cornhole and boccia. The classes were met with great interest from the visitors. An analysis was conducted on the effectiveness of adaptive sports games on social adaptation, cognitive functions, fine motor skills, and postural control. The results of the work showed the effectiveness of such measures and the feasibility and necessity of conducting them in the future.
17.09.2025  some cool classes on adaptive games for kids with inclusive education and internally displaced people were held at the Kornyn Roman Svirzhevskyi Lyceum, Rivne District, An important result of the classes was the improvement of social adaptation, psychological state, and cognitive functions of children with inclusive education and internally displaced people. The students who demonstrated the best results in the adaptive games were invited to the final tournament at the Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center of the IUEH.

  FINAL RITA TOURNAMENT FOR THE FEAST OF THE INTERCESSION AT DEMYANCHUK INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY: COMPETITION, VICTORIES, AND SUPPORT FOR THE DEFENDERS OF UKRAINE

On the Feast of the Intercession, (which symbolizes the protection and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as honors the Ukrainian Cossacks and defenders of Ukraine), the final tournament of the international program was held at the Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities. All the teachers of the Faculty of Health, Physical Culture and Sports, Vice-Rector for Educational and Methodological Work and Quality of Education Viktoriia Artiushok were present at the opening.Vitalii Lipskyi, Head of the Department of Youth and Sports of the Rivne Regional State Administration, Vadym Koval, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports, and Anatolii Demianchuk, President of the IUEH, delivered welcoming speeches at the event.Igor Petruk, coordinator and head of the Polish-Ukrainian Adaptation Center within the RITA grant in Rivne, concluded the greetings by introducing the teams and wishing them success.Then came the competitions and magic, which made the eyes of the participants and everyone present shine with excitement. Seeing happy children engaged in interesting activities (you can see everything clearly in the photos) in a country that is bombed every day is simply fantastic.

All competitions have winners, and at the end, the team awards were presented as follows:
1st place – “Krok-Dobrochyn” from Rivne
2nd place – “Zerna” from Zdolbuniv
3rd place – “Fortuna-team” from Kornyn, Rivne district.

    

MOBILE ACCOMPANIMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

On September 10, the Faculty of Health, Physical Culture and Sports held an open lecture entitled “Mobile Support for People with Special Needs. Features of Transportation and First Aid.” During the lecture, attendees, including representatives of the Rivne Regional Social Services Center and assistants to children with inclusive education, learned about the rules for accompanying people in wheelchairs, methods for moving people with special needs indoors, and the algorithm for providing first aid.
Senior lecturer of the Department of Human Health and Physical Therapy, sports medicine doctor I.D. Petruk also conducted a training session, during which visitors learned practical skills in the use of wheelchairs, in particular, mobile assistance when moving over elevations in the terrain and indoors, and when moving on ramps. The participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers for such important and necessary events, which help in the effective adaptation of people with special needs.