IPC to Hold Youth Workshop in El Salvador
22.11.2010
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will carry out its first youth workshop next year in El Salvador, Central America as part of a new initiative to increase the numbers of athletes participating at the Paralympic Games.
With the first workshop being hosted in El Salvador, IPC Chief Operating Officer Georg Schlachtenberger will be heading to the capital of the Central American country tomorrow (23 November) in order to initiate the preparations with El Salvador’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC).
Mr. Schlachtenberger said: “The purpose of this initiative is to engage and identify new athletes, and build a network with the NPCs. The workshop which will take place in March 2011 will be one week long, ending with a competition for all participants.”
The IPC, which is receiving USD 50,000 from the Foundation for Global Sports Development Grant for the initiative, will be working together with neighbouring countries during the workshop including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.
The next workshop will take place in Africa later in 2011.
The Foundation for Global Sports Development’s work with international sports organizations helps young athletes from disadvantaged background and developing countries train and prepare for international competition that would otherwise be out of reach.
Participating youths not only advance their athletic abilities, but they cultivate their characters and often serve as role models upon their returns home.