ID :
209930
Wed, 09/28/2011 - 11:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/209930
The shortlink copeid
International Abilympics open doors to more opportunities for disabled
SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Yonhap) -- This year's international skill contest for disabled persons kicked off in Seoul this week, opening doors to more opportunities for the disabled.
The 8th International Abilympics (IA), hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, began Monday under the slogan of "Unlimited challenge to the world," in an aim to raise awareness on employment conditions for the disabled.
The name of the event is derived from the words "ability" and "Olympics."
"We will successfully host the international vocational gathering as it is the first time it has been held in the country," Labor Minister Lee Cha-pel said in a statement released prior to the opening of the event. "We hope that the event will eventually lead to more job offers for physically disabled people and bring about social integration."
The IA, first held in Tokyo, Japan in 1981, was launched by the United Nations to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as part of efforts to improve vocational skills, to boost motivation to participate in socio-economic activities, and to promote stability by increasing the employment rate of persons with disabilities. The event is held every four years.
At a ceremony marking the opening of the Sept. 26-30 event, South Korea's first lady Kim Yoon-ok, an honorary chairman of the organizing committee, delivered a congratulatory speech in front of a handful of international government officials including Ecuadorean Vice President Moreno Garces.
This year's gathering has brought together 447 participants from 57 countries across the globe to compete in 40 different contests.
The contests encompass 29 vocational skills, in addition to seven leisure and living contests for such skills as hand-knitting and electronic assembly and testing, as well as four basic courses, the organizing committee said.
South Korea has won more medals than any other country in recent past events and is aiming for a top finish for the fifth consecutive time this year.
Meanwhile, international symposiums and forums to discuss improving employment systems will take place on the sidelines of the event. Also, several cultural programs, including performances of Korean classical music and traditional dance, will be carried out throughout the week.
The 8th International Abilympics (IA), hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, began Monday under the slogan of "Unlimited challenge to the world," in an aim to raise awareness on employment conditions for the disabled.
The name of the event is derived from the words "ability" and "Olympics."
"We will successfully host the international vocational gathering as it is the first time it has been held in the country," Labor Minister Lee Cha-pel said in a statement released prior to the opening of the event. "We hope that the event will eventually lead to more job offers for physically disabled people and bring about social integration."
The IA, first held in Tokyo, Japan in 1981, was launched by the United Nations to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as part of efforts to improve vocational skills, to boost motivation to participate in socio-economic activities, and to promote stability by increasing the employment rate of persons with disabilities. The event is held every four years.
At a ceremony marking the opening of the Sept. 26-30 event, South Korea's first lady Kim Yoon-ok, an honorary chairman of the organizing committee, delivered a congratulatory speech in front of a handful of international government officials including Ecuadorean Vice President Moreno Garces.
This year's gathering has brought together 447 participants from 57 countries across the globe to compete in 40 different contests.
The contests encompass 29 vocational skills, in addition to seven leisure and living contests for such skills as hand-knitting and electronic assembly and testing, as well as four basic courses, the organizing committee said.
South Korea has won more medals than any other country in recent past events and is aiming for a top finish for the fifth consecutive time this year.
Meanwhile, international symposiums and forums to discuss improving employment systems will take place on the sidelines of the event. Also, several cultural programs, including performances of Korean classical music and traditional dance, will be carried out throughout the week.
