Inter Campus Poland, first steps to playing again

KRAKOW - The epidemic in Poland was announced on 11 March, and schools and sports clubs closed that very same day. “After an initial phase with much uncertainty and reflection upon a possible alternative for the kids," said Olek, coordinator of the project in Poland, “we started to share football drills online, which the kids could do at home or in the garden - using the slogan #stayathome. We ran the campaign with both the clubs in Jadwiga and in the special schools and orphanage of Kazimierz. From 4 May, with authorisation from the government and the Ministry of Sport to hold training sessions, we formed small groups of six kids, who got back to training, following health guidelines and social distancing. Two weeks later, and following a further relaxation of restrictions, it was possible to up the maximum size of groups to 14 kids, but still only outdoors. Unfortunately, the special schools and orphanage remained closed to outside activities and Inter Campus’ sessions were suspended. Nonetheless, we continued to hold online classes. At the moment, students of special schools are able to attend summer camps in Krakow, in the mountains or at the coast. Seven kids from the Zakątek school have already taken part in a camp in Krakow, which was run by the “Rainbow” association, which is dedicated to helping kids with various disabilities.

"There’s hope that pupils can return to normal life and sport after the summer holidays. The kids from Inter Campus in the special schools and the orphanage are already very much looking forward to a friendly tournament scheduled for September, and the visit of coaches from Italy that they haven’t seen in almost a year. Thank you and as always, Forza Inter!”