OSCE Centre supports young Turkmenistan athletes with disabilities

ASHGABAT, 6 August 2009 - Promoting health, education and better integration into society were the focus of a summer camp that ended today in the Gokdere mountains near Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat.

The four-weeks camp was organized by the Sports School of People with Disabilities under the Sports Committee of Ashgabat and co-sponsored by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. It was attended by more than 30 athletes with physical or mental disabilities, ranging from 12 to 25 of age.

The summer camp, which has been organized for the last fifteen years, aimed at strengthening the physical health of the participants, promoting their self-esteem as well as raising awareness of the importance of healthy life style.

Several trainers held interactive lessons which included discussions and presentations on the rights of persons with disabilities; sports and nutrition; awareness about HIV/AIDs and STDs as well as of the risks of narcotics. Participants also took part in recreational activities, played games and sports and had English lessons. As a way to ensure sustainability, the camp promotes peer education.

At the camp, the OSCE presented to the youth the work and mandate of the OSCE in general and in particular of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The Centre also discussed the main challenges the young athletes face with regards to a full integration into society.

The OSCE has been supporting this camp for the last three years.