Steps of Inspiration
Volunteers from the Maccabi Sports Club, for two years, have been inspiring Hesed clients to stay active, socialize, and embrace a lively lifestyle
One of the oldest and most beloved directions in our volunteer center, “Kyiv Hesed,” is the Maccabi Sports Club, which for several years has been offering regular sessions for clients of the MBF “Jewish Hesed ‘Bnei Azriel’” — providing not only physical activity, but also a boost of positivity, inspiration, and confidence in one’s own abilities.
The driving force behind the club and co-coordinator of the “Healthy Lifestyle” direction is a Candidate of Historical Sciences, Ukrainian champion in Nordic walking, ultramarathon runner (100+ km!), president of a sports federation, Nordic walking coach, and, most importantly for us, an experienced volunteer who every week brings together dozens of participants.
The Maccabi coaching team, certified specialists well-known in the Nordic walking community of Kyiv and across Ukraine, not only teach technique, they inspire by example, proving that movement can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Nordic walking is not just a stroll with poles. It is a lifestyle that:
— strengthens the heart and lungs
— relieves tension in the back and joints
— adds energy and boosts mood
— allows people to stay active and independent at any age
And, it is also a wonderful opportunity to make friends, socialize, laugh, and simply get out of the house (sometimes this is really the hardest task of the day).
This autumn, the Maccabi Sports Club celebrates 2 years of Nordic walking sessions. Over this time, more than 500 trainings have been held for 5 teams across different districts of Kyiv and even in the Kyiv region! Participants who joined back in 2023 have already gained considerable experience today; they take part in sports events and competitions, inspiring newcomers by their example.
The obvious improvements in our participants’ well-being, endurance, and mood confirm that volunteering and sport are the best formula for active longevity. We thank everyone who joins this movement together, we prove that kindness and energy have the power to unite!