In Moscow, a football program is scoring big for children with Down syndrome – and it’s not just about goals. 🥅 Over 80 young athletes are tackling societal barriers through teamwork, communication drills, and the thrill of the game under coach Alina Kulikova’s guidance.
🏃♀️ 'They start shy, hiding behind parents,' says Kulikova. 'But once they kick that ball? Magic! Their eyes light up, they laugh with teammates – that’s the coolest transformation.' The program focuses on building bravery and social skills through passes, high-fives, and shared victories.
🤝 Parents report breakthroughs: kids who once struggled to speak up now strategize plays, while quiet observers become team cheerleaders. The initiative highlights how sports can rewrite narratives about disability – one dribble at a time.
