Faculty of Education of UWB Once Again Supported the Run for Families of Children with Autism

More than 300 runners, dozens of visitors, and sunny weather — that was the scene at this year’s ninth annual charity run RUN for ProCit, traditionally co-organized by the Faculty of Education of the University of West Bohemia. Participants could choose between a 2 km or 5 km route.

On Saturday, April 26, Borský Park filled with runners as the Faculty of Education of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FE UWB) once again took part in organizing the event RUN for ProCit, which aims to support families of children with autism. The proceeds from the event will go towards educational and recreational-sport stays for ProCit clients.

“We’re incredibly happy that people once again took the time to come and support families of children with autism. The beautiful weather, amazing atmosphere, and great program made the ninth edition of the event truly unforgettable,” summarized Irena Vítovcová, Chair of the ProCit Civic Association. She also shared that her 19-year-old son Matyáš, who is on the autism spectrum, participated in the run for the first time. “Although my son mostly walked the two-kilometer route, it was still a huge achievement,” she added. At the start, Matyáš was accompanied by a student from the Faculty of Education, who walked the route with him and supported him throughout the run.

The ceremonial opening and the 2 km run were once again attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Pavel Mentlík: “I would like to thank all our students who took part in this exceptional event. Our cooperation with the ProCit association is firmly rooted in our curriculum and is an integral part of the training of future teachers and special educators. Through this, our students gain truly essential experience for working with children with autism spectrum disorder,” the Dean stated.

As part of the accompanying program of the ninth edition of the charity run RUN for ProCit, students from the Faculty's Center for Physical Education and Sport organized a children's obstacle course, which drew great interest. Children completed physical tasks and received small rewards for their efforts. Faculty students also led warm-up exercises for the runners, helping prepare them for their sporting performance. Visitors also had the opportunity to try Nordic Walking with instructor Věra Knappová from the Center for Physical Education and Sport, who guided participants along the two-kilometer trail and offered advice on the activity.

The collaboration with the ProCit civic association is a long-term commitment for the Faculty of Education at UWB. “Every Friday, we organize exercise sessions for children with autism spectrum disorder in our faculty's facilities. These activities are valuable to us not only professionally but also on a personal level. We also actively involve our students in them. Our cooperation with ProCit is intensive, and we deeply value it,” concluded Věra Knappová.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a neurodevelopmental difference that affects the way an individual communicates, perceives the world, and forms social relationships. Children with ASD often require an individualized approach, patience, and support in managing everyday situations.