78 Little Heroes—that’s how it was at the 4th Little Heroes Run, organized by the Paley European Institute and the Kochaj Życie Foundation in Raszyn
On Sunday, September 27, 78 little heroes lined up at the starting line of the 4th Little Heroes Run at the Raszyn Sports Center. Their parents, siblings, and loved ones ran the course alongside them. It is the largest run in Mazovia for children and youth with disabilities —and one of the most touching days on our calendar.
The event was organized by the Kochaj Życie Foundation in collaboration with the Raszyn Municipality. The starting signal sounded right on time at 12:00 p.m., and then there was a lot going on in Raszyn for several hours.
As the Paley European Institute, we were a partner of the race. Not only did our patients take part, but also children from other clinics and from special elementary schools.
Each in their own way, all together
In the Little Heroes Run, neither time nor finishing position matters. The children ran, walked, or rode in strollers—either on their own or with the help of their loved ones. Everyone completed the course as best they could.
This approach is particularly close to our hearts. At the Paley European Institute , a family-centered care approach is in our DNA . The run takes this philosophy from the office to the racecourse: the family doesn’t just cheer from the sidelines—they run alongside their child.
That is the whole point of this event: sports should be accessible to every child, regardless of their level of ability. The goal is to build self-efficacy and ensure that every child can experience their own sense of accomplishment.
No comparisons. No judgments. Just the feeling: “I can. I’m capable. I’m the hero of this day.”
12 stations, a red carpet, and the final gong
The centerpiece of the event was an obstacle course consisting of 12 stations. Awaiting the participants were physical and agility challenges, puzzles, sensory activities, water-based competitions, and plenty of humor. The activities were designed so that children with various disabilities, as well as their siblings and parents, could participate.
And at the end? The red carpet and the final gong. Everyone who made it to the finish line could feel like a real star—because on that day, every participant was a winner.
Not Just a Run—A Day for the Whole Family
The Little Heroes Run is also a family picnic. Off the racecourse, games, activities, raffles, and sports and educational activities awaited the children and their families.
There were plenty of aviation-themed surprises and fun activities like guiding an airplane. There was an AI photo booth, family challenges, and rides and attractions for the little ones. Having children, siblings, and parents take off together is one of the most important parts of the day for us—exercise brings the whole family together.
Before the race, Daria Bujnicka —a para-badminton player—led the warm-up and showed the children that sports know no barriers. The race was led bythe “Big Sisters.” One of the leaders is Oliwia Ferdek, a patient at the Paley European Institute.
Thank you—see you next year!
Thank you to all 78 Little Heroes, their families, the volunteers, and everyone who cheered them on along the route. You are the ones who make this day so special.
We organized the event in cooperation with the Raszyn Municipality, the John Paul II Cultural Center in Raszyn, Polish Airports, the Paley European Institute, the Raszyn Sports Center, and the Raszyn Cooperative Bank. The 4th Little Heroes Run was held under the patronage of Adam Struzik, Marshal of the Mazovia Province.
We’d like to invite you to the next edition today. In the meantime, check out how it went this year:
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78 Little Heroes—that’s how it was at the 4th Little Heroes Run, organized by the Paley European Institute and the Kochaj Życie Foundation in Raszyn
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