Special camp for people with disabilities at Wonderland Resort, organized by Caiac SMile

One of the most exciting events dedicated to people with disabilities was hosted by entrepreneur Darius Mârza, CEO of Wonderland Resort.

For three days, 24 people with disabilities took part in a special camp organized by Caiac SMile in partnership with Kaufland Romania, through the A.C.C.E.S. program. The camp is the third of its kind and is part of a series of events organized by the association in Satu Mare and the German retailer. People with disabilities are beneficiaries of the Maltese Aid Service in Romania, a non-governmental organization that embodies the social mission of the prestigious Sovereign Order of Malta, which has been committed for almost a millennium to defending the Christian faith and helping those in need.

Over the three days, beneficiaries experienced new sports and recreational activities adapted for people with disabilities, such as adapted horse riding, climbing, zip-lining, and nature walks. In fact, the resort’s riding arena near Cluj-Napoca has a horse riding system adapted for people with disabilities, especially those with mobility issues, which can be used free of charge by any beneficiary, subject to prior telephone reservation, according to ClujToday.ro.

Inclusion does not mean special treatment, but seeing people as they are, with their strengths, emotions, and stories. This weekend, I saw courage in simple gestures, friendships born out of trust, and the sincere joy of being part of a place that welcomes you exactly as you are, without prejudice, without discrimination, without barriers,” said Ionuț Stancovici, president of the Caiac SMile Association.

George Baltă and Delia Moise, part of the Kaufland A.C.C.E.S. team, Estera Anghelescu, Recruitment and Employer Branding Director at Kaufland Romania, and Ștefan Sfeatcu, Coordinator of the Kaufland A.C.C.E.S. program, held an interactive workshop focused on personal development and teamwork.

The mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Emil Boc, was also present at the opening of the event. Entrepreneur Darius Mârza expressed his support for such social projects, which put Christian ethical principles into practice.

Caiac SMile and Kaufland A.C.C.E.S: a partnership dedicated to inclusion

The A.C.C.E.S (Employment of Candidates with Special Requirements and Evolutions) program is an initiative launched by Kaufland six years ago, in October 2019, and its main goal is to integrate people with disabilities into the German retailer’s team. This program focuses on three key areas: dedicated recruitment channels, adapting the selection process, and creating an inclusive environment.

“This year we are celebrating six years of Kaufland A.C.C.E.S. and we are proud that our team includes approximately 500 people with various types of disabilities. Our efforts towards diversity and inclusion will continue because we want every person to be supported in reaching their full potential,” says Estera Anghelescu, Director of Recruitment and Employer Branding at Kaufland Romania.

“We believe in equal opportunities and consider diversity to be a core value of a healthy society. Often, people with disabilities are overlooked when it comes to integration into the labor market. In our team, they are not just employees, they are our colleagues from whom we learn every day how we can become better,” said Ștefan Sfeatcu, coordinator of the Kaufland A.C.C.E.S. program.

Programs to make sports accessible to people with special needs continued this year. For two months, the association in Satu Mare ran accessible camps on the Romanian coast, in Eforie Sud, where hundreds of beneficiaries from all over Romania and the Republic of Moldova participated. The total number of accessible beaches has now reached 18, and the project will continue in the coming years.

Also this summer, the project “Kayaking, an innovative sports culture for young people,” now in its fifth consecutive edition in Cluj-Napoca, brought a record number of beneficiaries to the training grounds, over 700, who practiced sports such as kayaking, adapted horseback riding, sitting and traditional basketball, and tennis.

The horse riding camp for people with disabilities was organized at Wonderland Resort for several reasons. One is the Christian values promoted by entrepreneur Darius Mârza, a well-known figure in the Greek Catholic community in Cluj. Another factor was that Wonderland Resort has become a true hub dedicated to families and inclusion. What sets Wonderland apart from any other resort in the region is its incredibly wide range of activities. It is not just a place where you “stay,” but one where you “live experiences.”

Hot air balloon flights: Perhaps the resort’s most iconic experience, offering visitors the chance to see Transylvania from above in a romantic and spectacular setting.

Horse riding center: With professional instructors and well-groomed horses, horse riding enthusiasts can explore the surrounding hills or take lessons in the riding arena.

Adrenaline and sports: From paintball and tubing to archery and bike rental, the complex is a paradise for active people.

Spa relaxation: After a day of adventure, the wellness center with indoor pool, hammam, and fitness room offers the perfect retreat for rejuvenation.

Wonder Family Fest 2026: The biggest festival for families

In the summer of 2026, Wonderland Resort is preparing to host the third edition of Wonder Family Fest (July 31–August 2). The event has already become a tradition and transforms the entire resort into a magical realm for thousands of families. The festival promises not only concerts with special guests, but also creative workshops, gaming areas, and camping experiences under the stars.

Fairytale events and corporate facilities

Wonderland has become the preferred destination for private and corporate events in Cluj. With seven event halls (such as Grande Vista or Sky View), the complex can host everything from intimate weddings for 50 people to massive conferences with over 1,000 participants.

The “ultra all-inclusive” system for team building has attracted giant companies from the IT sector in Cluj, which seek to combine strategy meetings with team building activities, all in a spectacular natural setting.

5-star accommodation

For those seeking the ultimate pampering, Wonderland Resort offers technologically advanced rooms and luxury apartments, some equipped with smart features and romantic bathtubs, providing comfort that rivals that of major international hotel chains. The decor is warm and elegant, with an emphasis on natural materials that complement the outdoor landscape. Among the distinguished guests of Wonderland Resort was Her Royal Highness Princess Sofia of Romania.

The challenges of success

Huge popularity also comes with challenges. During peak periods, such as Easter holidays or major festivals, access and reservations must be made well in advance. Darius Mârza also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and tries to maintain a balance between the large number of tourists and the conservation of the ecosystem on Feleac Hill.

The Maltese Aid Service in Romania (SAMR), the organization that carries on the millennial mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta, marks a milestone in 2026 and consolidates its status as an essential “social arm” for thousands of beneficiaries across the country.

Headquartered in Cluj-Napoca and with an extensive network of branches, the organization has become a model of professionalism in volunteering, guided by the motto: “Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” (Preserving the faith and helping those in need).

A Jubilee marked by communion

The year 2025 marked a symbolic milestone for the “Maltese family” in Romania, with the celebration of the Jubilee Day in Alba Iulia. The event brought together over 800 participants — volunteers, beneficiaries, and Knights of the Order of Malta — in a solemn liturgy at St. Michael’s Cathedral.

The pillars of Maltese action: From “Meals on Wheels” to the inclusive park

The activity of the Maltese Aid Service in Romania is structured around long-term programs targeting four main categories:

Seniors: The “Meals on Wheels” program remains at the heart of the organization. Every day, hundreds of hot meals are delivered to the homes of elderly people who are alone or ill, with drivers and volunteers often being these seniors’ only link to the outside world.

Children with disabilities: In Cluj-Napoca, the Maltese Special Kindergarten offers rehabilitation therapies for children with neuromotor disabilities. A recent landmark project is the first inclusive park in Cluj, a space where children with special needs can play alongside typical children, breaking down social barriers from an early age.

Homeless people: In cities such as Sfântu Gheorghe, the Maltese run night shelters and offer not only a warm bed, but also counseling for reintegration.

First aid: Maltese volunteers are present at major pilgrimages and public events and are trained to international standards to provide emergency medical assistance.

The power of volunteering: Maltese Youth

The secret to SAMR’s longevity lies in its more than 1,000 active volunteers. In 2026, Maltese Youth is the driving force behind the organization’s innovation. From summer camps for young people with disabilities to fundraising campaigns such as Walking Month, young people demonstrate that solidarity is a living value.

European projects and national impact

SAMR is currently involved in strategic partnerships at the national level, such as social inclusion projects in rural areas. Collaborations with local authorities, such as those in Satu Mare, aim to prevent the separation of children from their families by providing integrated services (social, psychological, and medical) to hundreds of vulnerable families.

After more than 35 years, the Maltese Aid Service in Romania remains proof that Christian love, translated into concrete actions and organized professionally, has the power to change destinies.

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