Care centre residents compete at sports festival in Jelgava municipality

A sports festival for residents of Latvia's state social care centres is being held today in Jelgava municipality. More than 3,000 people with severe and very severe mental health disorders currently live in such centres across the country.

A chance to join community life

For many of these residents, opportunities to take part in public life largely depend on activities available outside the daily routine of the care centres. That is why the sports festival is eagerly anticipated each year, offering residents a chance to step outside their usual surroundings and take part in a shared event alongside people from other centres.

The sports festival has become a tradition that allows care centre residents to try out different activities and meet people from other institutions, broadening their everyday experience and social contacts.