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Launch of EU-funded programme to empower Palestinian youth with disabilities
16-06-2010
Sixty representatives of government, disabled people’s organizations, and sports clubs working in the field of people with disabilities (PWD), sports and rights have come together in Ramallah for a launch event organized by Mercy Corps and the Palestinian Paralympic Committee, in the framework of a two-year EU-funded programme.
A press release said the event marked the beginning of the comprehensive capacity building programme for PWD sports clubs and the Palestinian Paralympic movement through technical assistance and small grants. The support is provided by the European Union through a two-year €533,000 programme in the occupied Palestinian territory.
In partnership with the Palestinian Paralympic Committee, Mercy Corps is implementing the programme, Sports for Change: Empowering Youth with Disabilities for an Inclusive Civil Society, to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in the occupied Palestinian territory through empowerment of young people with disabilities, strengthened civil society and increased community support for the rights of people with disabilities.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mousa Abu Zaid, opened the event with remarks about the importance of sports for PWD inclusion into society, followed by Christian Berger, the EU Representative, who gave an overview of related programs supported by the European Union in the occupied Palestinian territory, including civil society, development and PWD rights. Mercy Corps Mission Director, Andrew Dwonch, described the services and benefits provided by the programme, and Palestinian Paralympic Committee Chair, Akram Okkeh, stressed the importance of strengthening the local and national Paralympic movement and preparation of young athletes for London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The programme provides leadership training and regular sport practices for youth with disabilities in Gaza and the West Bank, building their self-confidence and promoting their inclusion. Building on Palestinian Paralympic Committee technical expertise, the programme provides training and small grants to sport clubs to improve and expand their sport programmes for youth with disabilities and strengthen their organizational management. It works with disabled people’s organizations, rehabilitation hospitals, government representatives and sport clubs to develop local action plans focusing on sport programmes, advocacy and community outreach. (ENPI Info Centre)
External Cooperation – Occupied Palestinian Territory
ENPI Info Centre – Occupied Palestinian Territory
