David Tot Kaša: courage, trust and new possibilities

Success does not have to be measured by comparison with others. Sometimes it can be seen in trust, readiness to take a new step and the feeling that we belong somewhere.

David Tot Kaša is a partially sighted boy with several diagnoses. From the beginning, Čakovec Boxing Club placed his abilities, potential, emotions, effort and right to belong to a community at the centre of its work with him.

The club's work with children begins with one idea: “A child's only competition should be their own achievements. Success is learning to love it.” David's progress is therefore not compared with that of others, but seen through his personal steps, effort and courage to open himself to something new.

Entering a new environment, meeting new people and trying a new activity brought a fear of the unknown and a need for time. David's participation in training was not treated only as a sporting activity, but as a process of building relationships, trust, belonging and personal empowerment.

David regularly took part in individual training sessions with Vanja Kostel, president and head coach of Čakovec Boxing Club. Kostel's experience, patience, calmness, consistency and empathy helped them gradually build a relationship of trust that became the foundation of David's progress.

The club also considered his need for additional support. Volunteer Josipa Cilar, a qualified child carer, was available to assist during David's time at the club, giving the inclusion process additional security.

Over time, David no longer came out of obligation, but because he wanted to. He became comfortable in the club, strengthened his relationship with his coach, began communicating with other members and became an equal part of the club community. He gained physical activity as well as new relationships, routine, security and the experience of being accepted.

His journey shows why individualised sports programmes matter for children with developmental, health and functional challenges. Success can be found in reducing fear of the unknown, developing trust, becoming ready to cooperate and joining a community.

Funding David's training is therefore more than support for a sporting activity. It is an investment in quality of life, social inclusion, emotional development and the opportunity to grow in an environment that sees his abilities.

When a child comes to love the place they visit, the people who welcome them and the path they are following, that path is already a success. None of us walks alone.