It’s not so often any travel writer gets to report truly inspiring news. News from the site of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi makes today special. The Center of Dolphin Therapy there is conducing therapy sessions for kids with illnesses ranging from autism to children’s cerebral paralysis.

Dolphins in the pool with kids - courtesy the center

Sessions, being held at the Sochi dolphinarium are conducted indoors and outdoors, but plans for a covered dome will see the kids enjoy this wonderful connection year round. Currently children interacting with the dolphins wear their little wet suits during these dolphin therapeutic sessions.

Natural and completely safe, parents and practitioners contend the sessions are not only physically helpful, but as much a spiritual experience for all concerned as anything. Natalya Vasilevskaya, the center curator, had this to say about the therapy:

“We do not call it a treatment; these sessions are rather rehabilitation and psychic correction. But virtually all parents note that after the dolphin therapy children with limited health abilities and mental retardation come to a new level of communication with their relatives and get new skills and abilities.”

For parents interested in this program the following documents are needed to attend sessions. Note, children under three are not currently accepted. The cost of sessions is in the range of $80 for 25 minutes, but hotel and other accommodations will obviously be required. (note: if our info is correct, call the center)

Interested readers may contact the center via phone at: +7 (8622) 90-60-92, or via email at: akva-delfin@yandex.ru