Odessa's Barrier-Free Initiative: New Opportunities for Everyone
«Our goal is to create a city without barriers, where everyone can feel comfortable,» said Odessa's mayor, Gennady Trukhanov.
The Barrier-Free Week in Odessa concluded with the vibrant event «Sports Without Barriers.» Throughout the day, inclusive sports activities, outdoor training sessions, and workshops were organized, allowing everyone to participate, regardless of physical abilities.
«We aim to build a society where everyone can live without obstacles. This initiative was started by our President and the First Lady of Ukraine, and we are working to remove barriers in all aspects of life. Special attention is given to veterans, for whom sports play a crucial role in integrating into civilian life,» added the mayor.
According to Alexey Morozov, the mayor's advisor on barrier-free spaces, the week was incredibly productive, beginning with the launch of construction on the pedestrian section of the inclusive route «North-South,» the largest pedestrian area of its kind in Ukraine as part of the National Project «Movement Without Barriers.»
Additionally, experts inspected key locations along the inclusive route, focusing on recreational infrastructure along the coast. Currently, an updated inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Great Fountain is preparing to open, along with a sports ground where people with disabilities can train. Plans include building a large inclusive pool, as ocean waves can pose significant challenges for many individuals with disabilities.
«We can confidently say that barrier-free living is a strategy for the city's development, realized through concrete decisions and thoughtful space organization. The Barrier-Free Council, which includes veterans and people with disabilities, determines our work priorities,» stated Alexey Morozov.
It is worth noting that Odessa has also achieved significant success in adaptive sports. Recently, the Odessa veteran rowing team returned from Greece, where they successfully completed a long route in the Aegean Sea. They also participated in a friendly race on rafts called «Regatta of Heroes - 2025» in the Dnipro River, organized for the Day of Heroes of Ukraine. Furthermore, adaptive sports such as billiards, Thai boxing, golf, and others are actively developing.
«Everything we do takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, and low-mobility groups. From infrastructure and recreation areas to culture and sports development. Our goal is to create a barrier-free city where everyone can feel dignified and comfortable,» emphasized Gennady Trukhanov.
