Dzień Dobry From OIFE Youth!
The OIFE Youth Event 2025 was organised by the OI Polish organization (Stowarzyszenie Osób Z Wrodzoną Łamliwoscią Kosci) who took care of delivering an amazing week-end full of unforgettable activities in Warsaw.
SEPTEMBER 4TH
This year was a bit different from others because we had a special bonus day for those who wanted to do an incredible experience: Diving in the second deepest pool of the WORLD. We were a group of 12 young people with (and without) OI, ready for the adventure.
It all started from the hotel, we took the bus directly to the famous Deepspot, where the members and instructors of the Fundacja Mniejszy Błękit were waiting to give us the introduction and rules for diving. We were divided into groups of 3 to 4 people, individually assigned to an instructor.
All ready and excited, on our way to the changing rooms, we got stuck in the elevator for 15 long minutes! But after some ingeniousness and positivity, the doors finally opened and we were all set to finally dive!
THE DIVING EXPERIENCE
Everything is set to bring a safe dive for people with or without disabilities. Our masks were measured to give us the most adapted sizes, the oxygen tanks were put underwater so we didn’t have to carry the heavy weight. The instructors were holding us through the whole process so we could stop at any moment in case of discomfort.
The diving lasted 45 minutes and we went between 10 and 15 meters down, enjoying every moment, visiting dark caves and every item put under water to almost make you feel like you are in the ocean.
It was the safest and most unforgettable experience thanks to the instructors and members of the foundation who guided us through it all along. We went back to the hotel with the certainty that it wasn’t going to be our last dive!
At the end of the evening, the rest of the youth event participants arrived for dinner. A total of 35 participants from 8 different countries, in the age group of 18-35 years: ready to socialize, have a good time and live a week-end full of adventures!
SEPTEMBER 5TH:
In the morning of Friday, it was officially the first day of the event with everyone. We gathered in the conference room to have a morning introduction and an ice breaker activity set up by our lovely host Aneta Galazka, organizer of the event.
Wrap lunches were ready for us as we went on the bus where we got divided into two groups: The ones with a sweet tooth went to the Chocolate Museum and the ones wanting to immerse into Polish culture: went to The Vodka Museum!
We had great tours, filled with interesting information and history. But the most important part? Definitely the tasting activity in both museums! Such a fun moment getting to know the members of our group, interacting, socializing and making new friends.
With our bellies full of chocolate and a tiny bit of vodka, we went through a stroll around a part of the city, crossing the 452 meters long newest bridge in Warsaw on our way to the pizzeria for a lovely dinner with the rest of the group.
On our way back, some took the bus and the others ended the evening with a fantastic sunset “wheel” back to the hotel.
SEPTEMBER 6TH:
The second day of the event started with the most relaxing activity of the week-end: a tai-chi session!
Thanks to the guidance of two instructors, we managed to make our bodies move as much as we were able to. A beautiful harmony and cohesion between everyone, moving to the rhythm of music and peaceful sounds.
After regaining energy, and due to bad weather, we had to change our plans of going to a pierogi restaurant, but then again the Polish team saved the day by ordering all sorts of different kinds and flavors so we could still try this very typical and delicious dish. 
The question of the day was then “Is the weather going to allow us to go around the city for one last stroll?” and the answer was “YES!”
Rain-coats on, umbrellas in the bags and a lot of excitement to visit, we headed to the old part of the town. Passing by beautiful houses and buildings, visiting the Warsaw Mermaid and connecting to nature through the Saxon Garden, we finished the day taking a group photo as a memory of this really special week-end.
When the evening arrived, an amazing three course dinner was waiting for us at a Balkan restaurant. After eating our weight of meat, fish, seafood and delicious deserts we went back to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening together.
SEPTEMBER 7TH:
The last day arrived and we headed back to the airport or train station, time to say our goodbyes but with hope and excitement of seeing everyone next year, at the Youth Event 2026 in Germany, when we will all meet again for new memories and adventures.
INTERVIEW WITH TWO OF THIS YEAR’S PARTICIPANTS:
« OIFE Weekends show us every year that the boundaries set by our disabilities exist only in our minds. This year, through scuba diving courses in one of the world’s deepest pools and Thai Chi sessions, we demonstrated that nothing is impossible for us. Combined with the amazing people I had the chance to meet during our gathering, this created an incredible event that leaves me eagerly anticipating the next meeting in Germany. See you there! » – Karol Puchalski, Poland
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THE FINAL WORDS: JOIN US!
A huge THANK YOU to the organizers, for their efforts, their logistics, the work put into making this week-end possible.
Every year and in collaboration with OIFE, national organizations all around Europe organize events hosting young people with OI.
A platform of interaction that give the opportunity to young people to share experiences, ideas and create an exclusive exchange of perspectives. A way to have fun and enjoy activities in a safe and inclusive space for everyone, whether you are traveling alone or with a personal assistant.
I must say that I have found beautiful friendships and some of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
DO ZOBACZENIA W PRZYSZŁYM ROKU! – See you next year!
Written by: Natalia Verduzco Ramírez