Sporting initiatives throughout the globe are raising awareness and mobilising support for the rights, well being and inclusion of people with disabilities on the UN Day of Persons with Disabilities today (3rd December).

The international day was established in 1992 and emphasises the needs and perspectives of disabled people.

Ahead of the day, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited civil society to take action to include disability in all aspects of development and promote the participation of disabled people in social life.

“On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I call on Governments, members of the UN system, businesses and civil society to break barriers and open doors of opportunity for all persons with disability. Together, let us build an inclusive society for all” he said.

15% of the worlds population
The UN estimates that one billion people, approximately 15% of the world’s population, live with some disability, 80% of which reside in developing countries, facing physical, social and economic barriers that exclude them from participating as equal members of society.

Sport can play an important role in giving confidence, strength, skills and knowledge to individuals with disabilities to challenge exclusion and prejudice. It has been an effective means of building knowledge and awareness on the rights and needs of people with disabilities, fostering inclusion and influence change.

Fare is a partner of CAFE, the Centre for Access in Football in Europe. They are involved in a number of events including the launch of a Dutch national disabled supporters group.

There are activities taking place across the world.

Argentina
On 2 and 4 December the municipality of Santa Rosa is organising a series of women’s football matches, held at the municipal stadium.

Australia
In Adelaide, the Disability Recreation & Sports SA (DRSSA) will be hosting events throughout the week, including a Come and Try Day with wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, handcycling and boccia and demo games on wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

In Atherton, Queensland, on 4 December an ‘Activity Room’ with Bocce and art workshops will be at the Old School Mabel Street.

In Canberra, the organisation Women’s With Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) is hosting a circus performance with a troupe of young women that have been practising various circus skills for the last six months. The performance will take place on 3 December.

In Mount Gambier, Sport Ability – Come ‘n Try is promoting sporting opportunities for people with disabilities in the Limestone Coast, including parachute games, pool noodle games, football, basketball, netball, athletics and riding for the disabled.

From 3 – 7 December, the Wheelchair Sports WA Association will be hosting Road Shows with athletes that will talk about their experiences in disability sports.

Brazil
The Serviço Social do Comércio and the São Paulo’s Secretary for People with Disabilities will held several initiatives in frame of the 4th edition of the festival for inclusion ‘Virada Inclusiva’.

The activities will take place from 30 November – 6 December and will include a chess festival, football tournaments, talks with Paralympic athletes and goalball matches.

Canada
In Vancouver, the day will be celebrated with an art show, a mixed-abilities dance workshop, and an evening of fun, lively performances held at the Roundhouse Community Centre.

England
Nottingham University will hold on 3 December the Disability Tennis Festival 2013.

In Newcastle, the English Federation of Disability Sport will host the Boccia England North East Regional Championships on the same day.

Portugal
The University of Porto is hosting an event on 4 December that will include an exhibition, a round-table on adapted sport and a demonstration of therapeutic horsemanship.

Spain
The organisation Fundacion Adecco is conducting an awareness-raising campaign supported by the Paralympic swimming medallist Teresa Perales.

This list of activities is a summary of activities that have been held in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

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