IPC launches video for UN Day of Persons with Disabilities

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has launched a video called "All about ability" to mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RMOSDynkw8

This year's day is themed "Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all".

The day provides an opportunity to further raise awareness about accessibility with the ultimate goal of removing barriers and enabling equal participation for all persons with an impairment.

The IPC's video celebrates the contributions made by para-athletes as agents of change and development in the communities in which they live.

It expresses the IPC's aspiration that the performances and incredible stories of athletes teach the values of acceptance and appreciation for people with an impairment, contributing to the development of a more equitable society with respect and equal opportunities for all individuals.

In naming the film "All about ability", the IPC focuses on the abilities of athletes rather than their disabilities.

"Your performances will inspire and excite the world," IPC President Sir Philip Craven says in the film. "You will not just inspire a generation, but many generations to come."

The film looks back on the history of the Paralympic Movement and celebrates the milestones achieved so far in terms of athlete participation, development of sporting events, increased commercial support and media coverage.

It ends with the call to action that "Together we are spreading a message of respect and equal opportunity for all individuals."

The video also highlights the work that the Agitos Foundation, the IPC's development arm, is doing to create sport opportunities for all.

To mark the day, the Agitos Foundation is running a social media campaign to raise awareness of the work being done by countries and organisations to create an inclusive society.

Taken from the theme of this years' day, National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), International Federations and International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled have been encouraged to show the world what they are doing to break down barriers.

The day is a particularly good opportunity for developing nations, which often do not get the chance to showcase their great work because of a lack of resources or low awareness of para-sport locally.

IPC members were sent a banner and encouraged to take pictures of athletes or projects, which will be shared on @Agitos - the Agitos Foundation's Twitter account - with an album also being posted on the IPC's Facebook page. They will also post on their own social media where available.

Many organisations and countries have sent in pictures from their local area or of activities that they have planned especially for the UN Day of Persons with Disabilities, including NPCs, the Inspire Foundation, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports and the International Canoe Federation.

Those organisations that have planned special events for the day include the International Tennis Federation, NPC Belgium, NPC Ecuador, NPC Iran and the English Federation of Disability Sport, with more still flooding in.

Check out and share "All about ability" and the inspiring pictures and updates on Twitter and Facebook to play your part in breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive society for all.

For more information contact: lucy.dominy@paralympic.org or call +49-228-2097-159. Alternatively, please visit www.paralympic.org.

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