A colourful show with lots of noise, dances, cheer leaders, magicians, contests and a zumba marathon for children and parents took place during the weekend in Sofia’s Borisova Gradina. Artists from the "Art for Life" Association–Joana Bukovska, Leo Bianchi, Mariana Jotova, Ralitsa Bezhan, and Filip Avramov also contributed to the good mood. All this took place in the name of a noble cause - inclusion of children with special needs through sport and art. Organiser of the integrated international children's festival "You are Part of Us" is the Balkan and Black Sea Area Federation of Adapted Physical Activity, headed by its president - zumba instructor Slav Petkov and his charming wife Desi. Slav pointed out that the festival would not have been the same without the active participation of volunteers - actors, singers, helpers. One of them is Villi Alexandrova, assistant professor in adapted physical activity in the Water Sports Department at the National Sports Academy. She has been working with children with special needs for years and says that sport is a unique tool for helping them:

"Children with special educational needs come to the Sports Academy to practice swimming. In combination with dancing and other sports a positive effect on the psyche and all organs and systems of the child is achieved. But the most important thing for these children is their inclusion,” Villi Alexandrova says, but regrets that children with such problems do not always have access to sport facilities.

"There are no centers where children with special educational needs could engage in sports. We have been working with them since 2005. We also organise integrated summer camps in Nessebar for both healthy children and children with disabilities. In this way we try to compensate for the lack of opportunities for practicing sports, provided to children with disabilities," Villi Alexandrova says, pointing out that healthy children also need to learn to accept children with special needs as equal.

Among the visitors to the festival we meet Valeri Marinov, who told us more about his family. His 19-year-old son is autistic. The father is convinced of the benefits of sport to children with problems. Before his child was diagnosed, he had to change several kindergartens:

"The child had problems. Some were saying he was deaf because he did not pay attention when people were talking to him. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4.My son is now talking but still experiences difficulties. Last year he graduated from a school for children with special needs. Supposedly, they should teach these children something but the state is just washing its hands of the matter. My son cannot write, nor hold a pen. It is difficult for him to use a fork. However, his diploma for finished 8^th grade reads ‘very good.’ This is so because finishing 8^th grade is required by law. Five years ago Vili Alexandrova started working with him. Sport changed him very much. His coordination and movements improved. Previously, when you told him to squat or jump he did not know how to do it, but now he can swim from one end of the pool to the other. His communication skill also improved greatly. He is not so afraid of the unknown. He now talks and plays with other children although his movements are much slower.”

Slav Petkov points out that in addition to sport music is what has a positive effect on children with special needs, as rhythm is all around us. Therefore, zumba, which combines both, is one of the most successful methods for helping the development of these children:

"I think that this is a good method we can use for their integration,” the zumba instructor says. “Our practice sessions include both children with special needs and healthy children. I think it is very important that they are with their peers, playing and practicing sports together. So, we teach our children tolerance and we see the inclusion happening in front of us. That is what these children need - understanding, friendship. I think this is something we should give to them. I also want to thank all the volunteers who took part. We should keep working in this direction," Slav Petkov says in conclusion.

English: Alexander Markov