(June 27, 2016) Two days of sports and entertainment for children with disabilities and their families to get together and forget about the cultural and ethnic barriers which divide Kosovo. The initiative, which was held on June 25 and 26 at the headquarters of the Kosovo Police Academy, was organized by the local Paralympic Committee and made possible thanks to several international actors present in Kosovo: Kosovo Force (KFOR), NATO, multinational mission, OSCE (the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe), and other international and local organisations. There were many gatherings during the event, with a common denominator: sports as a way to overcome cultural and ethnic prejudices. There were more than 500 participants from all parts of Kosovo such as Albanians, Serbs and other ethnic minorities were represented by smiling children carefree of their disabilities and their ethnic group. They have spent an unforgettable weekend aimed at pure sporting competition. The young athletes competed in several individual and team disciplines. Among the many activities included in the programme, there was basketball, football, table tennis, chess, and running. No ethnic and religious barrier has prevented the smooth running of this event of high social value which has been running for several years by the Paralympic Committee of Kosovo. At the end of the sporting event, the Kosovo political authorities and representatives of the international community have expressed their appreciation for the great success of the mini Paralympic Games. Special thanks was addressed to the Kosovo Force for their commitment in the organisation of all activities and especially to the fundamental role played by the NATO multinational forces in maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo. (Red)
Sports and cooperation: Mini-Paralympic Games for kids with disabilities in Kosovo
