An incredible trip to Moscow for DSActive!

Posted on: March 3, 2017

With the support of social programme FIFA “Football for Hope” and the Russian State Social University, DSActive were invited to Moscow to participate in a seminar organised by the Russian charity Downside Up. The seminar was called “Psycho-pedagogical features of work with children with Down’s syndrome in sport groups of football”.

Downside Up provide support and advice throughout Russia for families raising children with Down’s syndrome. One of their main objectives is to change societal attitudes by  raising public awareness of the condition.

The seminar was attended by over 80 experts interested in providing sport activities for children with Down’s syndrome, including sports instructors, physical education teachers, coaches, students and volunteers. Speakers shared their experiences of working with people with Down’s syndrome. Sheila Heslam and Sophia Pittounikos spoke about the DSActive programme and its successes. Sophia also ran practical training for the students and coaches who will be working for Downside Up’s football programme. Sophia demonstrated different activities and methods the students and coaches can use when working with people with Down’s syndrome.

Sophia said:

“It was great to see so many people attending the conference. It just goes to show how important the work that Downside Up is doing when creating football opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome.”