Unlimited challenge to the world, The 8th International Abilympics Seoul 2011

"Abilympics" is the combined word of "Ability" and "Olympics".

The first International Abilympics (IA) was held in Japan in 1981 to celebrate 'The United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons.' Its main goal was to support full participation of persons with disabilities in our society and promote their self-reliance and has been held every 4 years in various countries. This year, the South Korea hosted the Abilympics to the world.

 

At center in Yangjae, Seoul                                                             Opening ceremony of the 8th IA

The 8^th International Abilympics 2011 was held in Seoul, South Korea from the 25^th to the 30^th of September which took place at the AT Center and at the Olympic Park Stadium (Olympic Hall).

57 countries participated and the world’s most highly skilled contestants with disabilities gathered. Skills of contestants are put to test; there are 40 categories of skills competition.

On September 26^th, a spectacular opening ceremony at Olympic Park, Seoul marked the beginning of the 8^th International Abilympics.

 

In the event, Yoon Ok Kim, the first lady of South Korea, the president of IA, and the chairman of the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled addressed a welcoming speech. After the official schedule, there were special performances that showed Korean traditional culture.

 

The contest began on Sept 27^th at the AT center, Seoul. From Basket making to computer programming, there was a wide variety of tasks that took place during the contest.

Competitions took 5 hours long on average; contestants were totally focused and put a lot of effort into each assigned task. I was so touched by their passion and their great skills. They made so many creative objects, painting, and even furniture.
Many other different programs were also held. There was a Theme Park in which contestants from all over the world could experience Korean culture.
 

Also, many booths were set which exhibited various cultures and traditions of other participating nations. This enabled contestants to enjoy other cultures, widening their perspectives. Furthermore, contestants could get work experience such as crafts, cooking, cake decorating and balloon art.

The contest provided contestants with great opportunities to learn about careers and skills which could further be developed.

 

6 days of the 8^th International Abilympics in Seoul culminated in success on Sept 30^th as followed by the closing ceremony at Olympic Hall, Olympic Park, Seoul. Awards were given to all winners. There were a total of 23 gold medals, 22 silver medals, and 15 bronze medals—South Korean contestants received the most.

After the Award ceremony, all participants, delegations, and guests enjoyed a special farewell banquet and had a time to interact with others from different countries.

After the party, I happened to interview one contestant named Herman Gatete from Rwanda. I asked short questions since he had to get into the bus; his interpreter was next to him while translating his responses.

He has a hearing disability and participated in ‘Wood Carving’.

 

After the party, I happened to interview one contestant named Herman Gatete from Rwanda. I asked short questions since he had to get into the bus; his interpreter was next to him while translating his responses.

He has a hearing disability and participated in ‘Wood Carving’.

 

Did you enjoy the 8^th International Abilympics in Seoul?

: Yes, I felt really comfortable for the last six days because all Korean staffs were nice and the AT center was well prepared for the contest.

What is the meaning of this contest to you?

: This is my first time participating in the IA. So, this contest is especially meaningful to me. I could be more confident about myself and it gives me a kind of hope in which I can dream what people without disabilities dream of becoming.

 

I was also happy to meet people with disabilities from many different countries.

 

He seemed very satisfied with the contest in Korea and I was so glad to hear that Korean volunteers were friendly. Not only the contestants but also volunteers learned valuable things from the showcased event.

 

Lee JooSil who volunteered as an interpreter said “The contest gives the message that contestants have infinite possibilities by offering many different job experiences. I was also impressed by the contestants’ talents. It a beautiful experience to witness. IA contestants faced challenges and developed special skills, even though they are physically disabled.

 

There is one thing I learned from them as I worked as a volunteer in the contest. We tend to misjudge and have prejudice towards people with disabilities, who seem to be inferior to those who are not physically or mentally disabled. We encourage disabled people when they try to do things that normal can people do. But the thing is, they can outshine people without disabilities in many aspects, only if they’re given enough opportunities in our society, like the International Abilympics.