The first ever Active Rehabilitation Camp will take place from the 19-25 of may. We took the time to do an interview with the organizer, George Vourganas, before nine countries meet up i Loutraki Greece.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is George Vourganas, I am 40 years old, I have had a spinal cord injury for 24 years, I am a peer mentor and vice president of the non-profit association Alli Opsi.

 Tell us about Alli Opsi and what it's like to have a spinal cord injury in Greece

The non-profit association Alli Opsi was founded in 2007 in Thessaloniki, Greece, on the initiative of Anestis Divanoglou. Since then, it has implemented nine educational programs. In 2025, Alli Opsi is hosting the 1st International ARI Camp and its 10th Alli Opsi Camp. Despite our 18 years of existence, we have conducted relatively few educational programs due to our reliance on sponsorships and donations, with all members of the association serving as unpaid volunteers.

Living with a spinal cord injury in Greece presents significant challenges. The country is not accommodating for wheelchair users, with inadequate road access, infrastructure, and facilities. After leaving a rehabilitation center, individuals are often unprepared for the difficulties they will face, even within their own homes. Greek culture frequently expects families to act as primary caregivers, meeting the needs of those with disabilities. Furthermore, finding employment after a spinal cord injury is extremely difficult, as there is little to no training provided to help individuals adapt to their new circumstances and achieve greater independence.

 What has been the most challenging thing about the planning of the camp?

Organizing transportation to and from the airport, accommodation, and activity venues for wheelchair users is a significant challenge in Greece. The greatest challenge is that we have developed two ambitious projects. The first, "Wheelchairs on Board," involves boarding boats that are not accessible. The second, "Trip to the Acropolis," includes visits to the Acropolis and its museum. These are two challenging endeavors, but thorough planning has been done, and we are optimistic that everyone will enjoy them.

  What is the motivation to organize an ARIs camp and be a part of ARI?

In May 2024, while attending a meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, with representatives from nine countries focused on active rehabilitation, we discovered significant differences among us. In most of these countries, active rehabilitation is well-integrated into their systems and widely practiced. By contrast, our non-profit association, Alli Opsi, has organized only nine training camps in its 18 years of existence. Our participation in Stockholm inspired us to take bold steps and host the 1st International ARI Camp. We recognized that this was a unique opportunity to further promote active rehabilitation in Greece, especially with the support of our international partners. The mutual support from these countries motivates us to achieve even more. We are proud to host the 1st International ARI Camp and deeply honored to be part of this inspiring global team.

 What is your goal for the camp?

Our goal is to ensure a successful training camp where participants gain extensive knowledge and skills for independent living while creating unforgettable memories. Additionally, we aim to demonstrate how nine countries can collaborate toward a shared purpose, sharing expertise and learning from each other’s approaches.

 Are you satisfied with the event's organization so far?

We are highly satisfied with the training camp’s organizing team, and collaborating with field professionals inspires us to continuously improve.

 Which situations do you see as the most difficult in the planning?

As previously mentioned, the greatest challenge in organizing the training camp is managing parallel projects that operate both procedurally and independently. For instance, convincing the companies providing the boats that we can address accessibility challenges has been difficult. Similarly, persuading the relevant authorities to grant us access to the Acropolis has proven challenging. Despite these obstacles, we have succeeded in overcoming them and are now ready to embrace the experience.

 Do you have a good team around you?

I am confident that I am surrounded by an exceptional team, with whom I feel secure in any situation. We have formed a strong bond, and I am certain we can handle any challenge effectively. Even more important, beyond the ARI Camp managers and direct collaborators, everyone steps in to assist whenever challenges arise. I look forward to contributing to the next Training Camp in another country.

What do you hope will be the outcome of this camp?

I am hoping that camp will be a concrete and practical opportunity to strengthen the collaboration with the other European partners. An opportunity to develop common experiences in something that we know well and that we are passionate about. Together we are stronger!

 What are you most nervous about before the camp?

Active Rehabilitation is a concept that has been implemented and adapted in many countries. We come from different countries and have different cultures. While this is a great opportunity for inspiration, at an organisational level it poses a potential risk. It is important to have an open and frank communication to avoid misunderstandings. 

 What is your thoughts for ARI and ARI camps in the future?

I am hoping that the first camp in Greece is successful so that we start planning future international camps. There is a lot of work that needs to be done at an international level, including standardisation of the programs, education of peer mentors, accreditation and certification. Our joint camps can facilitate that work.