One ‘give it a try’ can change an entire life

When you have parents who believe in you, one ‘give it a try’ can change your entire life.

Lana Rosić was born with a shortened right leg, which did not fully develop during pregnancy. From the very beginning, her parents saw her possibilities rather than limitations.

At 17, she happened to receive an invitation to a sitting volleyball training session. Girls with physical disabilities were being recruited to form Croatia's first women's national team. Lana was not particularly interested, but her parents told her: “Give it a try. You'll never know unless you try.” She trusted them and took their advice.

Thirteen years later, she says it was one of the best decisions of her life. Sitting volleyball gave her confidence, belief in herself, lifelong friendships and a team of twelve remarkable women who, as she says, do not have shortcomings, only different adaptations. Through the sport, she also found the love of her life.

With the Croatian national team, she finished fifth at the 2022 European Championship, and with her club POK Hrabri she won bronze at the European club championship. Today, she is a qualified occupational therapist at Vrapče Psychiatric Clinic, captain of her team and wears number 10, just like Croatian captain Luka Modrić.

Her greatest goal is not simply to win medals. She wants more girls with disabilities to discover sitting volleyball, women's disability sport to receive the place it deserves, and society to recognise how sport changes lives—physically, mentally and emotionally.

That is why we walk alongside Lana. We want her and many others like her to have equal opportunities to train, compete and pursue their dreams. Some steps change our own lives, while others open the way for people who follow.

Every step matters. None of us walks alone.