OSCE Mission promotes inclusion of disabled children

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo in co-operation with the Kosovo Centre for Public Safety, Education and Development (KCPSED) and the Parents Organization of Children with Disabilities in Kosovo (OPFAKOS), an non-governmental organization, organized a two-day ’Mini Olympic Games’ for children with disabilities in Vushtrri/Vučitrn, 18–19 June 2011.

The ’Mini Olympics’ aimed to promote integration of children with disabilities, raise public awareness about their abilities, and increase trust and co-operation between them and public safety providers.

Approximately 450 children, their parents and carers and young people from different local communities participated in the event. The ‘Mini Olympics’ included races, darts and handball, as well as chess. The first ’Mini Olympic’ games was organized in 2005.

Edward Joseph, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo opened the games, saying that the annual event brings together members of all communities who want to work for a better future.

“This is the seventh time that the OSCE is privileged to support the traditional ‘Mini Olympic Games’. I express my gratitude to the KCPSED CEO for support and to all the participants, who expressed their readiness to be part of this event,” Joseph said.