Poland
Report on the Visit of Students from the OPEN SOUL Association in the Framework of the YOUTH EXCHANGE Project – KA152YOU: "Sport and Mental Health: Don't Bury Your Emotions, Let It Flow" – SPORTY MENTAL
As part of the ongoing project "Sport and Mental Health: Don't Bury Your Emotions, Let It Flow," students from the OPEN SOUL Association had the opportunity to visit several sports clubs in and around Wrocław. This initiative aimed to foster greater awareness about the connection between physical activity and mental health. The students visited various sports facilities, some individually and others in groups, gaining valuable insights into different disciplines and the importance of maintaining a balance between physical and mental well-being.
Club Visits
- Błażej had the chance to visit KS Polonia Bielany Wrocławskie, a sports club with a long tradition, established in 1968. During his visit, Błażej learned about the club's history and current activities, particularly in promoting physical health in the local community through team sports.
- Natalia explored the Wrocław Sport Taekwondo Club, where she gained an understanding of martial arts and their impact on both physical fitness and mental discipline. The club focuses on training both children and adults, emphasizing the mental benefits of focus, respect, and self-discipline associated with Taekwondo.
- The remaining group of students visited a Tennis Club in Wrocław, where they were introduced to the fundamentals of tennis, as well as the mental aspects of the sport, such as concentration, resilience, and managing stress under competitive conditions.
Sports Competitions
Additionally, two of our students, Roch and Błażej, actively participated in inter-school football competitions during their visit. Their involvement in the tournament highlighted the role of teamwork, strategy, and perseverance, key mental attributes nurtured through sports.
Wrocław's Sports Clubs and Facilities
Wrocław boasts a rich array of sports clubs and venues, with a total of 65 clubs offering sporting activities for children, teenagers, and adults alike. These clubs provide training in various disciplines, categorized as follows:
- Ball sports (23 clubs)
- Martial arts (17 clubs)
- Water sports (5 clubs)
- Gymnastics (3 clubs)
- Board games (3 clubs)
- Strength sports (3 clubs)
- Shooting sports (3 clubs)
- Athletics (2 clubs)
- Orienteering (2 clubs)
- Racket sports (2 clubs)
- Billiard sports (1 club)
- Sports for people with disabilities (1 club)
- Fitness (1 club)
- Mountain sports (1 club)
- Team games (1 club)
- Hockey (1 club)
- Equestrian sports (1 club)
- Card games (1 club)
- Cycling (1 club)
- Bowling sports (1 club)
- Aviation sports (1 club)
- Motor sports (1 club)
- Recreational sports (1 club)
- Multisport (1 club)
- Roller sports (1 club)
- Winter sports (1 club)
Conclusion
The students' visits to the clubs were a valuable component of the SPORTY MENTAL project. They were able to experience firsthand the physical and psychological benefits of regular sports participation, with each discipline offering its unique contribution to both physical health and mental wellness. This initiative not only allowed students to engage with different sports but also emphasized the importance of balancing physical activity with emotional and mental health.
The project continues to make significant strides in promoting holistic well-being through sport, with plans for future exchanges and collaborations to further explore the relationship between physical fitness and mental health.