‘Friendship and medals‘: Union Roska holds sports games for people with MS

The Union Roska has celebrated another successful year of the Roskiáda Sports Games. 110 contestants gathered in Nymburk to participate in a three-day sporting event for people with MS in the Czech Republic. For participants like Vlasta Blatná, the offer of ‘friendship and medals‘ makes this an unmissable event. The games are open to everyone of all abilities.

Jiřina Landová, the Head of the Union Roska says that the most important part of the games is participating rather than winning.

Participants competed in different events including swimming, shotput, football, floorball, darts, basketball, ring throwing and table tennis.

The event went beyond just exercise; contestants enjoyed meals together and discussed life with MS. The three day event began with a presentation from author, Laura Janáčková, on living well with MS. Laura gave tips on MS and relationships, symptom management and exercise.

MSIF’s film ‘Sex life and MS’ was screened in Czech, giving people affected by MS the chance to talk about this important and often ignored topic. The film prompted new conversations about a taboo topic, challenging stigma and creating an open space for discussion.

Participants also had the chance to watch a short theatre piece performed by people with MS from the Brno chapter. The performance used sunflowers as a symbol of hope and the MS community.

The Union Roska expect the Roskiáda Sports Games to continue to grow. Next year organisers plan for 150 participants to attend, including some international athletes with MS.