【Laos】Wheelchair Basketball Promotion
- Time Period
- From Jun. 2015 to May. 2016
- Region
- Vientiane, Laos
- Sport/Programme Category
- Wheelchair basketball
- Implementer
- Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan)
- Recipient Organisation
- National Paralympic Committee of Laos
COPE National Rehabilitation Center - Co-Implementer
- USAIDWorld Education,Inc
- Number of Individual Beneficiaries
- Approx. 70 people
In Laos, since the mid-2000s, overseas NGOs including Japan have supported the spread of wheelchair basketball, and Lao players have participated in international competitions in Thailand and Japan. On the other hand, the number of athletes was not stable due to the constant training of athletes, the equipment such as wheelchairs, and the lack of sufficient management of practice areas.
In order to encourage more people with disabilities to enjoy wheelchair basketball as part of their lives, we donated 30 basketball wheelchairs and helped Lao players to establish a regular practice. In addition, technical instructors were dispatched from Japan, Thailand, and Singapore to conduct technical improvement training. We held two domestic competitions to demonstrate the results of our daily practice and enlightening sports for people with disabilities. We also invited people with disabilities from local groups of people with disabilities and neighboring Thailand to exchange games.
See below for the Japanese version.
http://www.sftlegacy.jpnsport.go.jp/wp/jp/201506-201605/
In order to encourage more people with disabilities to enjoy wheelchair basketball as part of their lives, we donated 30 basketball wheelchairs and helped Lao players to establish a regular practice. In addition, technical instructors were dispatched from Japan, Thailand, and Singapore to conduct technical improvement training. We held two domestic competitions to demonstrate the results of our daily practice and enlightening sports for people with disabilities. We also invited people with disabilities from local groups of people with disabilities and neighboring Thailand to exchange games.
See below for the Japanese version.
http://www.sftlegacy.jpnsport.go.jp/wp/jp/201506-201605/
Feedback from Participant :
Comment from Mr. Ad:
I lost both legs in a car accident five years ago. Since then, I haven't had any opportunities to come into contact with sports, but when I heard that AAR Japan is promoting wheelchair basketball, I decided to take the plunge.
Through wheelchair basketball, I learned not only to be physically and mentally healthy but also to have a sense of solidarity and compassion for his opponent while playing with friends. I would like to continue participating in the practice and be able to teach when beginners enter.
©AAR Japan