How would you describe your disability or impairment?

I have a moderate intellectual disability.

How does your disability affect your daily life?

I had difficulty learning, so I went to a special school, and math was challenging for me. Since then, I have learned a lot, and I’m learning about managing money. Today, I don’t feel limited by my disability.

How old are you, and where are you from?

I’m from Rakitna (near Ljubljana), and I’ll be 44 years old soon.

What are your biggest life priorities and goals?

My main goals are to become even more independent and to continue progressing.

What sports or leisure activities are you currently involved in?

Boccia, table tennis, two choirs, going for a walk, drawing and writing, cooking, and I enjoy socializing and visits. I don’t like being completely alone too much.

How did you get involved in these activities (e.g., through school, family, friends)?

My friend’s mom encouraged me, and I read about the choir in the »Barjanski list« newspaper. At first, I was nervous about how I would be accepted, but it turned out to be wonderful and relaxed. Now we enjoy it; sometimes we celebrate, and occasionally someone brings food. There’s a lot of repetition when learning new songs, but I sing them by heart, because I don’t know the notes. I started table tennis through Zveza Sožitje (the Slovenian Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) and joined the choir and boccia through Zveza Sonček (Cerebral Palsy Association of Slovenia) occupational activity center, where I work.

How often do you participate in these activities?

I have table tennis on Tuesdays, boccia on Thursdays, the occupational activity center’s choir on Wednesdays, and the other choir on Fridays. My mom recently started joining me for table tennis. I also participate in competitions for table tennis and have already won many medals.

What adjustments (if any) do you need to participate?

I don’t need any adjustments.

Why are these activities important to you?

They make me happy, I get to socialize, relax, and not stay at home all the time. I have a great time.

How do these activities make you feel physically and mentally?

It’s like exercise for me. I feel relaxed, I forget everything while I’m there, and I really enjoy myself.

Have these activities helped you improve your confidence or social skills?

They have helped me. I overcame my fears; at first, I was nervous and anxious, but now I’m not anymore.

What challenges have you faced in joining sports or leisure activities?

I didn’t face anything significant; I integrated well into all the activities.

Were there any costs, accessibility issues, or lack of support involved?

My mom drives me to practice, so I didn’t have any accessibility problems. Otherwise, I also go by myself, using the bus.

How did you overcome these obstacles (if you had any)?

I never felt like anything was holding me back.

Who has supported you the most in getting involved in activities?

My mom has supported me the most, but I also decided on my own. I enjoy going for myself, so I don’t need much support.

How have these activities affected your relationships with family, friends, or the community?

When we perform with the choir, we help each other. We socialize a lot with the members of the Rakitna choir.

What activities would you like to try in the future?

I would like to try a drama club and a dance course. I’ve been interested in drama for a long time. In the past, I was part of a drama club where we used puppets, had rehearsals, and performed. One of the puppets was very big and heavy, so my arm hurt. Once, we performed with the choir on the radio. I also attended dance classes and I would like to try them again.

What changes or support would you like to have for better participation in activities?

I don’t need more support, I’m happy.

In your opinion, how could sports and leisure activities help better integrate young people with disabilities?

I think it would benefit them to participate in sports and leisure activities because they would feel better, enjoy themselves, and relax. I also think it would help them expand their circle of friends, as long as they are accepted.

What advice would you give to other young people with disabilities who want to get involved in sports or leisure activities?

Just go for it, get involved as much as possible, and meet new people. Look for information about sports activities, read about them, or ask your relatives.