The village of Pchelin is 80 km away from Sofia (the capital city) and is within the territory of the Municipality of Kostenets, with a population of 334 people. The children from the village go to a school in the neighbouring village, which is situated 8 km from Pchelin. This created a feeling of isolation and no real possibilities for interesting sports actions and leisure time initiatives in the village. The children shared their wish to the community centre members to have a new and modern sports facility in the village, which could be the place for many contests, games and entertaining initiatives for the young people.
The project implementation had to start with the development of the technical documentation for the sports facility space and this has been the task of the municipal engineer from the municipal administration of Kostenets. A voluntary initiative among the local community has been organised and as a result from it the school yard was completely cleaned and painted. The construction works included the creation of a skateboard ramp and street-ball play yard. The project ensured a new tennis table and cradles for the youngest in the village. In addition to that a new space was renovated also within the school and turned into a fitness centre with new fitness equipment and facilities.
The young people, together with their parents, made the basket for the new street-ball yard and took active part in the cleaning and reconstruction of the playground.
8 street-ball teams were formed within the project; children involved in that initiative were between 6 18 years old. The coach of the teams was Megan Bradfield, Peace Corps volunteer.
In June 2006 a series of street-ball tournaments have been organised, with the participation of children from the village of Pchelin and also neighbouring villages. The tournaments came to show that for a very short time the children and young people from the village started to love the game and become real players. The winners in the tournament were awarded various sport equipments balls, shirts, etc.
Partners in the project implementation were the Municipality of Kostenets and the Mayoralty, which provided support to all project activities and offered expert assistance in the development of the engineer project for the playground.
The project has been funded by the Improvement of the Social Environment Programme of the Foundation for Local Government Reform.
- 35 children and young people were actively involved in sport activities. An alternative way for better utilisation of their free time has been created. The self-confidence of the children from the village of Pchelin has been increased.
- The involvement of the local community in common initiatives and voluntary actions has been increased, in partnership with the local authority and the community centre.
- The commitment on behalf of the community in participating in the implementation of ideas, which bridge together different generations, has been activated.
Contacts:
Tatyana Lazova
Prosveta Community Centre,
Village of Pchelin,
Municipality of Kostenets
Tel.: (07147) 247
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