Youth leaders Mark and Denis’s shared passion for sports, healthy living, and creating a more inclusive community led to the development of their project: 'Growing Awareness and Raising Inclusion'. Having witnessed the positive impact of physical activity on confidence and personal growth, they were motivated to encourage younger generations to embrace healthy lifestyles through sports and workshops while promoting greater awareness, acceptance, and inclusion within their community.
Mark and Denis received support from Special Olympics Slovenia, the Gustava Siliha Center Maribor, and the local schools they collaborated with. The enthusiasm and unwavering encouragement of parents of people with IDD helped sustain the program and served as a constant reminder of the importance of expanding opportunities for inclusion.
Youth leaders brought together individuals with and without IDD to design and lead engaging activities for children in preschools and elementary schools. Working with local organizations, the participants planned and executed inclusive events ranging from sports to healthy living. By taking an active role in leading these events, all participants demonstrated their abilities, built their confidence, and fostered meaningful friendships with younger students. Mark and Denis built a welcoming environment where everyone could learn, play, and grow together.
Through meticulous time management and dedication, Mark and Denis developed a project that promoted inclusion, awareness, and healthy lifestyles among young students in their community. The initiative empowered participants to take on meaningful leadership roles, building their confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills. By creating opportunities for young people to learn and lead together, the project demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive environments where every voice is valued, heard, and celebrated.
Mark and Denis were proud of their success in fostering greater understanding and challenging misconceptions through their project. One of the most meaningful outcomes was seeing the genuine joy and enthusiasm of the participants, whose smiles and reflections highlighted the connections they built and the confidence they gained throughout the experience. The project also strengthened Mark and Denis's own leadership by teaching them to balance school and extracurricular commitments, collaborate effectively as a team, and communicate with confidence.