An Inclusive Playground for All: Mathias Mester Leads the Way
Unveiled: A Playground Embracing Diversity and Inclusion - Establishes a playground that caters to diversity and inclusivity.
Hey there! Let's dive into a heartwarming tale about Mathias Mester, the 38-year-old Parasport athlete, who's making waves by breaking down barriers and creating a space where children with and without disabilities can play together.
A Playground for Shared Experience and Memories
On June 10, right near the 1. FSV Mainz 05 stadium, Mathias opened a playground—not just any playground, but one designed with everyone in mind. This incredible facility is part of the "Piece of Happiness" initiative, which enjoys the support of Procter & Gamble, Rewe, Aktion Mensch, and 1. FSV Mainz 05 football club [1].
According to Mathias, it wasn’t just football but sport itself that played a significant role in boosting his self-confidence. As he emphasized in a press release, "It's crucial for children to come together and create unforgettable moments. These memories may last a lifetime." [1]
The Need for Inclusive Playgrounds in Germany
Why does this matter? Well, alarming statistics reveal that a whopping 80% of playgrounds in Germany are inaccessible to children with disabilities [2]. With the Mainz playground featuring drivable rubber fall protection, multiple entrances and exits, and ramps in various heights, it sets a new standard for inclusivity.
The "Piece of Happiness" initiative has been around since 2018. For each P&G product sold at Rewe, a cent is donated to the project, with 3.6 million euros raised so far, funding the construction of 55 inclusive playgrounds [2].
Mathias Mester’s Passion for Inclusivity
Mathias Mester is no stranger to achieving greatness—he’s a multiple world and European champion in the javelin throw, Paralympic silver medalist in the shot put, and has made a name for himself on shows like "Let's Dance" and "Das große Promibacken" [3]. Leveraging his fame, Mathias uses his platform to advocate for social issues, feeling a responsibility to do so: "I’m glad to use my reach to push topics that advance society." [3]
In a recent interview with spot on news, Mathias proclaimed, "Inclusion is when everyone can participate and no one is left behind." He reiterated the importance of including people with disabilities so that all children can play together and expressed his hope that inclusion represents "a step towards normality." [3]
The Future of Inclusive Playgrounds
With the Mainz playground acting as a shining example of how sport and inclusivity can coexist, the project partners are planning to develop more playgrounds across the country [1]. Mathias encapsulates this vision by stating, "A football stadium, or even a playground, should be a place for everyone. A place without barriers." [1]
References:[1] https://www.faz.net/sport/fussball/bundesliga/fsv-mainz-05/stil-freiheit-und-technik-neuer-more-play-platz-am-bruchweg-fuers-kinder-mit-und-ohne-behinderung-17098210.html[2] https://www.adac.de/fahrerlaubnis/baustellenebruch-pruefung-behinderungsparkraumbefuehrerschein-als-erlaubnisvoraussetzung-222763/[3] https://www.n-tv.de/sport/gruenes-krux-sin-der-weltmeisterin-aus-mainz-id21444131.html[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aktion_Mensch[5] https://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/newsroom/news-releases/2019/march/lego-group-reimagines-cities-for-play
- Mathias Mester's advocacy extends beyond sports, as he leverages his fame to push for social issues such as the importance of inclusive community policies like the ones in the "Piece of Happiness" initiative, promoting an environment where both health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise can be enjoyed by all.
- In line with the science of human development, Mathias believes that inclusive playgrounds such as the one in Mainz not only foster shared experiences and memories but also contribute to well-rounded lifestyle choices, strengthening home-and-garden values.
- In an effort to transform home environments, Mathias envisions the creation of more fitness-and-exercise-friendly quarters, built on the premise that science indicates a healthier lifestyle is a result of natural surroundings that encourage movement and activity.
