VITEBSK, 27 November (BelTA) - An inclusive children's park “Rose-Colored World” opened in Vitebsk on 27 November, BelTA has learned.
The ceremony was attended by Head of the European Union's Delegation to Belarus Dirk Schuebel, Polish Ambassador to Belarus Artur Michalski, representatives of the local authorities and local residents.
The humanitarian social project was implemented by the administration of the Oktyabrsky District of Vitebsk using a Polish grant, with the support of the Polish Embassy. The local authorities have developed the site on the island in the recreation area of the River Vitba. Thanks to the financial assistance, the city purchased game and sports inclusive equipment: a sandbox, ropeways, swings, carousels, etc.
“To implement the project, we needed only three components: the initiative, which was shown by students and teachers of Secondary School No.5, the support of the authorities and the opportunity which was provided by the Polish Embassy,” said Sergei Stashevsky, the head of the Oktyabrsky District administration. He expressed great appreciation to the Polish diplomats, thanks to whom Vitebsk has got such a sports ground, the first in the city.
Sergei Stashevsky also noted that the work is not yet completed. The territory will be fully landscaped in the spring. In the future, with the support of the Polish side, the amount of gaming equipment will be increased as the area of the island allows it to do so.
The importance of such facilities was highlighted by Polish Ambassador to Belarus Artur Michalski. “People with disabilities are, to a certain extent, hostages to their situation. It is very important to create conditions for them to feel comfortable and to feel involved in public life. I hope that the children who will spend time here will enjoy it. This will mean that our main goal has been achieved,” the diplomat said.
Poland has supported another humanitarian project in Vitebsk to improve the facilities of the Vitebsk nursing home for the elderly and disabled, Ambassador Artur Michalski informed. The project is to be implemented before the end of the year. The country's first inclusive cycle path about 10km long was opened in Lida in September under to the Polish Foreign Ministry's development program “Polish Aid”.
“Poland has received a lot of help from other European countries and now shares its experience with partner countries, including Belarus. Over the past four years, Poland has allocated more than Br1 million for various projects in Belarus. We are talking not only about the humanitarian affairs but also about tourism. The latter sector is very important as it promotes many other areas, including business,” the diplomat added.
Photos by Aleksandr Khitrov
