In February, the Winter Camp 2024 occurred in South Tyrol, Italy. This event in the South Tyrolean Alps has been a fixed part of the KidsTUMove program at the Technical University of Munich since 2018, conducted in collaboration with the South Tyrolean association Kinderherz. The sports program is a successful example of bilateral cooperation between a university expert team consisting of sports scientists, educators, and pediatricians and an organization representing the interests of children and adolescents with heart conditions in Italy.
Unique winter experiences: KidsTUMove Winter Camp for children and adolescents with special needs
During the one-week Winter Camp, 32 children and adolescents aged between 8 and 18 had the opportunity to learn skiing or improve their skills under professional guidance. What makes the KidsTUMove Winter Camp special is the diversity of participants, primarily targeting children and adolescents suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, autism, congenital heart defects, or those who have survived cancer. Additionally, healthy siblings and friends of the children are also welcome to experience mountain sports without parents.
The children had an unforgettable time under the supervision of sports scientists, a pediatrician, and a team of assistants from Italy. Participants were also supported and engaged by bachelor students studying sports and health sciences, who developed skiing-related activities as part of a winter semester course, gaining valuable practical experience for their future careers.
Ski fun and comprehensive care: the on-site program
The Winter Camp occurred under fantastic weather, snow-covered mountains, and good slope conditions. Both children without skiing experience and experienced skiers could tackle the challenges of the blue and red slopes. Continuous oxygen saturation levels and heart rate monitoring, especially for children with heart conditions, ensured a safe environment. Additionally, using a validated test battery, the team assessed the motor skills of all participants in the local school gymnasium, as well as their self-assessed quality of life before and after the camp week.
In addition to skiing, the Winter Camp offered a varied program, allowing participants to playfully explore their abilities and physical limits. Besides the ski area, children could also engage in activities at the swimming pool or gymnasium.
Funding of the sports program
The costs for participating children were significantly reduced with the support of sponsors, the lift operator, the hotel, and a local support network. In return, children received 24-hour supervision, an entire board, ski passes, ski lessons, a sports program, as well as transportation to and from the camp by bus.
The positive effects of the camp week: community, confidence, and practical experiences
The Winter Camp 2024 was not just a sports challenge for everyone but especially an opportunity for chronical ill children and adolescents to experience fun and joy in movement in the mountains within a protected environment. The sense of community, supportive conversations with caregivers, and cultural exchange fostered a stronger bond, enabling children and adolescents to return to their family life with renewed self-confidence.
The camp week also left a positive impression on the students: integrating practical experiences provides deep insight into the practical application of their studies, fosters the development of various skills, and establishes a connection between theory and practice for sustainable learning and personal growth. Thus, Winter Camp 2024 was not just a snow event but a lasting experience for all involved.
Establishing a sports program for children with chronic diseases
Whether you are a club, university, or coach interested in setting up a similar sports program, it doesn’t have to be a ski camp – a summer sports camp, a sports day at the club, or establishing a sports group are all welcome activities. Create sports opportunities to allow children and adolescents with chronic diseases access to sports. Feel free to contact us with questions about organizing, funding, or implementing specific sports activities.
Preview: Multiplier Sport Events within the project KTM goes Europe – cordially fit in the summer of 2024
The project team organizes one-day sports events for chronically ill children in the participating countries Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy during the summer. Stay in touch and visit one of our events!
Keep up to date with the project by following KTM’s social channels Instagram, Facebook and X !
