Sprit in Motion -Paralympic Youth workcamp in Central America
This project's parent organization is International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
It operates in El Salvador
It uses Adapted sports
Entered the Best New Project
More about Sprit in Motion -Paralympic Youth workcamp in Central America
Especially for young people with a disability in developing countries, sport can play a significant role in gaining self-esteem and self-sufficiency, enriching their lives and in changing the perceptions of society. The main social issue tackled through the project is to make the best out of one’s life despite having a disability and encouraging others to do the same. The youngsters experience how enriching the exchange with their peers facing similar challenges is and the importance supporting one another. The camp provided time for cultural exchange and fostered teamwork.
It developed a platform on Facebook (“Campamento de la Juventud El Salvador 2011”) facilitating the possibility for on-going friendships. In educational sessions, the youngters learned about Paralympic values, nutrition, the power sport can have in their lives, about their rights (referring to the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities) and experienced teamwork firsthand.
Additionally, they had an inspirational session given by a Paralympic gold medal winner which opened their horizons, made them proud of themselves and encouraged them to become ambassadors themselves. During sports practice the young athletes and coaches focused on abilities not on disabilities, encouraging positive attitudes and helping the youngsters to build their social skills.