The fund supports people with functional impairments and the association “Sports for Everyone,” led by the project’s main initiator, Dāvis Siminaitis, to continue their efforts. The association has purchased special running chairs, which not only help people develop general sports skills but also give them the opportunity to participate in sporting events, gain positive emotions, and experience the joy of life!

His team was one of the largest participating in the inclusive marathon of the “Rimi” Riga Marathon. Having functional impairments does not mean a person cannot take part in a marathon. The inclusive marathon is for everyone according to their abilities. Dāvis demonstrates this with his example, inspiring many to follow. Last year, his team included 35 people, and the number of participants has not decreased in 2024.

 

Each participant faces their own challenges, but the main thing is that they take part and gain positive emotions. If the whole family participates, it’s wonderful! The most important aspect is making the participant, the running partner, feel the joy that this day is different from their usual routine. For the assistant running alongside a person with functional impairments, the marathon is not about setting personal records—those can be pursued individually. Instead, it’s a conversation throughout the race to keep the partner, the person with functional impairments, engaged.

 

Thanks to a donation of 2,000 EUR from the fund, the association was able to purchase special running chairs, allowing both participants and assistants to enjoy the running experience more fully. The primary goal of the inclusive marathon and the run is to create joy and positive emotions.