Bringing Frame Running to Estonia

Bringing Frame Running to Estonia: Our First Steps at the Camp and Cup 2025 in Copenhagen

Our Estonian team wasn’t competing at this year’s Frame Running Camp and Cup - we’re just at the beginning of our journey. Our small team in Copenhagen consisted of two enthusiastic physical therapists - Vladislava and Kätlin. And far away in Tallinn a girl Marta, who has been  training with the very first Frame Running in Estonia for already 4 months. She waited for us to return from Denmark with new knowledge about this inspiring parasport.

I’m Vlada (everyone calls me that, Vladislava is a bit long!), and I discovered Frame Running about a year ago. At the time, I was working at a school for children with special needs, and everyone  was so excited about this new sport, especially Marta. I couldn’t attend the camp in Copenhagen last year, but we worked hard throughout the year to make it this time. Dreams, combined with determination, made it possible, so Marta received her first Frame Running in December 2024 and we made it to come to the Coach Course in Summer 2025.

My teammate Kätlin is a pediatric physical therapist working at Tallinn Children's Hospital. She had never heard of Frame Running before this spring. When the opportunity to attend the coaching course and Cup in Denmark came through the Estonian Paralympic Committee, she decided to join me on this adventure. The experience has been eye-opening and deeply inspiring for both of us.

“What I experienced here was absolutely amazing,” says Kätlin. “All the laughter and joy that comes from participating in sports was made accessible to children who may not have had this chance before. At least not in Estonia. I love the idea that, beyond physical therapy, children and adults with disabilities can spend their free time actively and socially through sports. I truly hope that in the future, Estonian children and adults can also be part of this wonderful event and experience the joy of being on the track.”

We came to Denmark to learn from the best about training methods for children, competition organising, how other countries overcome challenges, and how to develop Frame Running in Estonia in the best possible way. We also wanted to build friendships and a strong international network. The sportsmen and all the other participants were extremely open minded and friendly, so we’ve absolutely succeeded in making new friends here.

This camp gave us that nostalgic feeling of a childhood sports camp, but on a much bigger scale and with a beautiful sense of belonging. Living in school classrooms alongside participants from different countries made the experience unforgettable. Two of our roommates even had a spectacular bed-breaking incident - a story that will live on at least until next year! But beyond the laughs, sharing everyday life gave us a close-up look at what a para-athlete’s routine looks like: how they prepare for competitions, support one another, and grow through community.

After completing the coaching course at the Frame Running Camp and Cup, we feel much more confident about spreading Frame Running to more children and families in Estonia with care and professionalism. Most importantly, we now know we’re not alone. We’re part of a warm, supportive international community we can turn to for advice, encouragement or inspiration.

It’s time to head home now, full of courage and excitement for the journey ahead. We hope to return not just as participants next time, but with Estonian athletes on the starting line and our national anthem playing at the Opening Ceremony. With the generous support of Frame Running For All, we’re returning to Estonia with two  Frame Runnings, so the dream of attending the Frame Running Camp and Cup 2026 feels more real than ever.

This morning, we had a great run with Marta and we wish you good training too!

Follow our journey and see how Frame Running grows in Estonia:

📸 @vladislava_oleinik_pt