«Our goal is to create a city where everyone can feel free and comfortable», - stated Odessa's Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.

Barrier-Free Week, declared at the national level in Ukraine, concluded in Odessa with an exciting event called «Sports Without Barriers». Throughout the day, residents had the opportunity to participate in inclusive sports activities and open-air training sessions, regardless of their physical abilities.

«We aim to build a society where everyone can live, work, and thrive without barriers. This initiative was started by our President and the First Lady of Ukraine. We are working daily to remove barriers in all areas of life. We pay special attention to veterans, as sports for them is not just an activity, but a crucial step toward integration into society», - emphasized the Mayor.

According to the words of the Mayor's advisor on accessibility issues, Alexey Morozov, the week was incredibly productive, beginning with the start of construction on the pedestrian part 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, together with project experts, key locations along the inclusive route were inspected - particularly recreational infrastructure along the coast. Currently, an updated inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Big Fountain is being prepared for opening, along with a sports ground for people with disabilities. There are plans to build a large inclusive pool, as sea waves can pose a significant barrier for many individuals with disabilities.

«We can confidently say: accessibility is a development strategy for the city, realized through specific decisions and thoughtful space organization. The Council for Accessibility is actively working on this, and veterans and people with disabilities involved define the priorities of our work», - noted Alexey Morozov.

It is also worth mentioning that Odessa has achieved significant success in the field of adaptive sports. Recently, the Odessa veterans' rowing team returned from Greece, successfully completing a long route across the Aegean Sea. Athletes also participated in a friendly race on yachts called «Regatta of Heroes - 2025» in Dnipro, organized for Ukraine's Heroes Day. Adaptive sports such as billiards, Thai boxing, golf, and others are also actively developing.

«Everything we do takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, and mobility-impaired groups. From infrastructure and recreational areas to cultural events and sports. Our goal is a barrier-free city where everyone can feel dignified and comfortable», - emphasized Gennady Trukhanov.