From TODAYonline.com, 6 Nov 2007:
SINGAPORE isn’t only hoping to host an Olympics for the young.
In 2015, it could also be the venue for the next International Abilympics — an Olympics of “abilities for people with disabilities”.
Singapore could see more than 1,200 participants from more than 20 countries showcasing their talents here in a diverse range of vocational skills such as electronics assembly, data processing and photography.
The International Abilympics — launched in Japan in 1981 — is a platform to raise the awareness among employers and the general public of the talents and skills of people with disabilities.
Singaporeans have been flying the flag high at the International Abilympics since 1991, winning medals in painting, chess and accounting. This year, for the first time, the 14-member contingent — the largest team Singapore has ever sent — heading to Shizukoa, Japan, includes six former mental patients, three wheelchair users and five hearing-impaired women… [See also: Channelnewsasia article, 5 Nov 07]
… “Internationally, the International Abilympics has helped to overturn traditional prejudicial views and misconceptions regarding the skills abilities and potential of the disabled.”
He added: “We hope it will mark a milestone and propel a wave of skills training and job placement for people with disabilities and those who have recovered from mental illness.”
August 23, 2009 at 5:50 pm |
Bravo for my ASEAN country brother. I fully support the initiative to hold International Abilympics in Singapore in 2015. I was wondering if Justin Tan is the master mind of this brilliant event.
best regard
GDe