National Paralympic Day included on Iranian annual calendar
22.01.2014After several successful editions, 16 October now named as the National Paralympic Day in Iranian Calendar.
Thousands of children enjoyed various activities during seven days of festivities for the 2013 Iranian National Paralympic Week.
© • Iran NPC
Mansour Pormirzaei square
© • NPC Iran
Iran beat Rwanda 3-0 and is the favourite to qualify on Pool B at the London 2012 sitting volleyball tournament.
© • Getty Images
Iranian archer Zahra Nemati celebrates winning gold at London 2012
© • Getty Images
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During National Paralympic Week, athletes tried to introduce and promote sports for people with impairments in schools, universities and media
Following the success of several editions of National Paralympic Day in previous years and outstanding feedback from last year’s National Paralympic Week, Iranian officials have agreed to make 16 October “National Paralympic Day” in the country’s calendar.
The move follows a request made by the Iranian Paralympic Committee to the relevant respective bodies to create an annual day that celebrates the Paralympic Movement in Iran.
It is hoped that this symbolic action, highlighting the high regard the Iranian government has for the Paralympic Movement, will pave the way for greater promotion of para-sport in the country.
The last International Paralympic Day was celebrated on 4 December 2013. It was part of the first ever National Paralympic Week which aimed to encourage more people to take part in sport activities in Iran in the hope that its already impressive record in para-sport would be secured for the future, as well as improve grass-roots participation.
The week was supported by the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee – Agitos Foundation – which provided funding through its Grant Support Programme.
During National Paralympic Week, athletes tried to introduce and promote sports for people with impairments in schools, universities and media and even among their families to develop the concept of sport for all.
At the last Paralympic Games in London in 2012, Iranian athletes won 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals including one gold and two bronze for the women of the team.
