Transformative Physical Education Enhances Existence
Laying the Groundwork for a Brighter Future: Zhanna Soltanbekova's Journey with Blue Fox
Meet Zhanna Soltanbekova, a social entrepreneur, and the force behind the Blue Fox adaptive physical education center in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. For Zhanna, the power of physical activity has been a game-changer, especially for children with special needs. Here's her inspiring story.
Discovering the magic of sports
Zhanna, mother of a child with autism, found herself at a crossroads in 2011. But with determination and research, she transformed her family's life. Just like the flight attendant's advice about securing oxygen masks first, she learned self-care and seeking help was crucial.
In 2014, Zhanna joined the Autism Will Win project, where she witnessed the positive impact of physical activity on children with special needs. Her son, Alikhan, demonstrated significant improvement, becoming more aware, focused, and engaged. This shift was the spark that ignited her passion for adaptive physical education.
Empowering children to soar
In 2023, Zhanna shared her vision with fellow mother, Ainur Zhanuazakova, and together they established Blue Fox, offering program-lessoned activities for children with developmental disorders. Starting with seven children, the center now serves over 79, helping kids aged 2 to 17 develop social skills, confidence, teamwork abilities, and patience.
Children participate in small-group activities, learning essential life skills like following rules, waiting their turn, and engaging in team games. The benefits of adaptive physical education extend to improved communication skills, emotional well-being, and an enhanced ability to overcome psychological and physical barriers caused by conditions. Furthermore, adaptive physical education can also prevent health issues like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity by strengthening the immune system, improving circulation, and reducing stress.
Blue Fox also offers parent-child classes for children as young as 18 months, empowering parents to better understand their child's challenges and apply techniques at home. Early habilitation leads to better outcomes, as children spend most of their time at home.
Overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights
Adaptive physical education faces challenges securing affordable space and trained specialists. However, the Blue Fox center receives support from kind-hearted individuals and organizations. In March, the center will move to a new location, featuring a social and domestic adaptation room where children will learn essential life skills. Blue Fox is also introducing roller-skating, biking lessons, and a climbing wall to further enhance cognitive and physical development.
For Zhanna, her motivation is her son and the success stories of other parents. When parents share the moments their child looked them in the eye for the first time, spoke their first word, or engaged more with peers, it's a testament to the transformative power of adaptive physical education. Despite the hurdles, Zhanna remains inspired to keep going, empowering children with disabilities to achieve independence, self-confidence, and a brighter future.
Adaptive physical education: A powerful tool for change
Though specific information about the Blue Fox center isn't readily available, adaptive physical education offers numerous benefits for children with developmental disorders. Adaptive physical education can improve physical health, enhance mental health, encourage social interaction and inclusion, facilitate early intervention and development, and empower children with disabilities towards independence. By providing these benefits, adaptive physical education centers like Blue Fox play a significant role in enhancing the lives of children with developmental disorders, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all participants.
Zhanna, fueled by her passion for adaptive physical education and the positive transformation it brought to her son, initiated Blue Fox in 2023, combining science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, education-and-self-development, and sports to offer a brighter future for children with developmental disorders. Through Blue Fox, children are aiming to overcome psychological and physical barriers, expanding their skills in communication, teamwork, and emotional well-being, while preventing health issues. With the introduction of roller-skating, biking lessons, and a climbing wall, these children not only strengthen their cognitive and physical abilities but also foster inclusivity and self-confidence.
