Generation connects: Seniors make children move in Magdeburg

Generation connects: Seniors make children move in Magdeburg

Magdeburg-A special project combines children and seniors in the Schlupfwinkel daycare center in Magdeburg-Neustadt. A unique sports program is carried out here, which actively integrates both the youngest and the older participants. One of these lively examples is the five -year -old Malica, who announces with great joy: "Oh yes, we do sports with the Omis again!" Her accompanying friend Yve looks fascinated and hops with joy. It is obvious that the children already know the faces of their three trainers and know that they can now expect fun, fun and movement.

The trainers, Birgitt Lipinski (69), Stefanie Simon (68) and Brunhilde Jürgens (71), have prepared intensively to offer the children an exciting and educational time. Birgitt Lipinski is touched when a small green ball is pulled out of the large bag. "That is heartwarming," she comments on and confirms the positive impression that you left at the start of the sports program. The atmosphere is lively - the children are full of energy and willing to learn new things.

sport for the smallest promote

The doctor of sports Christiane Desaive is the project manager behind this initiative. She watches the lively scene with a smile and emphasizes: "It seems to work great. It should be like that!" The project is carried out as part of the SEKIB concept (seniors get children in motion), which is supported by the Association of Replacement Cashys. The aim is to convey the joy of movement in the long term through sports with seniors and to facilitate access to the internal children's sport.

Desaive itself supports the older participants who are regularly active at the Magdeburg University Sport Club. Soon the trainers should be able to design the sports program independently. In a total of three groups, 49 children will take part in this trial training for four weeks. The hope is that many of them will continue to participate in USC children's sport.

"Yes, of course, we can do it!", Birgitt Lipinski is certain. She and her colleagues feel mentally and physically fit and report that they know how exhausting it can be to integrate the children into an action -packed program. "You have to come up with something to lure the kids away from the cell phone," she says. Stefanie Simon adds that in the trainer training course you also learn to keep an overview and to keep a cool head in challenging situations.

The project as a win-win situation

The training included both practical and theoretical parts. These build on the university program "KIB-children in motion" and include playful forms of movement such as Hampelmann, frog hopping and throwing ball. "Bringing body, mind and soul - at least that was the case earlier," reflects Brunhilde Jürgens about the holistic development that is to be promoted by movement.

The entire project is scientifically accompanied by the university, which indicates the commitment of the experts behind the scenes. Monique Stolte, a social worker of the daycare center, is looking forward to the results of the motor test, which is carried out both before and after the training. She is convinced that the program will create a classic win-win situation in which everyone involved, including children, senior citizens, sports club and replacement, benefits. Despite the positive prospects, it emphasizes that the monthly contribution of 10 euros for many children from large families with a migration background is a significant enrichment. Stolte therefore hopes for sponsors who could support this really great project.