Publication > Newsletter > 6th Newsletter > 6th Newsletter - 6th International Abilympics, India 2003

6^th International Abilympics India 2003
23-29 November 2003
New Delhi, India

Brief History

The International Abilympics, first launched in Tokyo in 1981 to commemorate the UN International Year of Disabled Persons, has since been held every four years. They focus on the vocational abilities of PWD, highlighting their skills in a variety of fields. The event also provides opportunities for disability organizations and industry to network and collaborate on breaking barriers. The International Abilympics continues to be a forum to discover and exhibit the talent of PWD. In 2007, the first Integrated Abilympics with work skills is scheduled to be held in Japan.

6^th International Abilympics India, 2003

This International vocational event was held at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium, New Delhi, India from 23-29 December 2003 with 1,500 participants from 33 countries.

H.E. Mr. Shri Atal Binhari, Prime Minister of India reiterated in his inaugural speech at the opening ceremony on 24 November 2003, his government's commitment to ensure full opportunities for PWD. He stated, "It is rightly said that the people who are called "disabled", are not really disabled but only "differently abled". They have amazing potentialities which often remain latent, undeveloped, and unrecognized."

H.E. Dr. Satyan Urayan Jatiya, Minister of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, also gave a speech, stating, "In fact, this competition is focused on the abilities of human beings, rather than their disabilities. It encourages and instills confidence in the physically and mentally challenged persons and enables them to realize their hidden talents and potential, helping them contribute to the development of society and the nation." He also mentioned that events like the International Abilympics provide an opportunity for PWD to show their special abilities as to how they can contribute to the development of society.

A fascinating cultural program presented by 225 children with disabilities, as part of the inaugural event impressed the audience so much that they wanted an encore.

Activities

This event which covered 45 vocational and leisure skills provided a unique opportunity to discover the abilities of the PWDs. It also nurtured and provided further training to enable the winners to enhance their skills and participate with greater confidence.

Organizers

The National Abilympics Association of India was the organizer of the 6th International Abilympics, with support from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Human Resource Development, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Hong Kong Foundation, the HPS Foundation, and voluntary organizations, etc.

Side Events

1. The Exhibition on Aids and Appliances The District Rehabilitaion Centre, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment along with NGOs from India as well as participating countries such as Japan and Pakistan put together an exhibition on aids and appliances for PWD.
2. The Abilympics Village-A Chromatic Splendor
   The Abilympics Village was situated outside the central court of the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The modular village was a series of mud engraved stalls looking very much like rural straw-roofed structures. By exhibiting and selling artifacts, the NGO's and other organizations wished to raise funds for the segment of society they are trying to empower and have developed a sense of pride and respect in 'mainstream' society. Raising awareness within the mainstream was one of the objectives of the NGO's setting up stalls in this convenient arrangement.Others stalls carried articles and works of art by individual artisans who were either impaired in some way or PWD.
3. The International Conference
   The International Conference on "Education Towards Greater Employability for Persons with Disability", discussed issues like challenges faced by teachers, the role of universities and initiatives taken by the UN in this area.
4. The International Abilympics Federation Assembly
   The Assembly meeting of the International Abilympic Federation was held at the IGI stadium, venue of the 6th International Abilympics with delegates from over 30 countries participating in the deliberations. Among the agenda items was the selection of the venue for the Eighth International Abilympics scheduled to be held in 2011. The seventh is scheduled to be held in Japan in 2007.
   (For further information: www.abilympicsindia.org)