Two Taiwanese organizations launched a scheme to encourage people with disabilities to get involved with sport. They are The League For Persons With Disabilities in Taiwan and the Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation. The latter is an organization which provides support for burn survivors and those with facial disfigurement.
The plan included 16 sports coaches across Taipei and New Taipei City and ran over the course of four months. It sought to break stereotypes that individuals with disabilities can't play sports.
A participant in the program who suffers from a visual impairment said that many people with disabilities like exercising but they are often rejected from opportunities. He says he hopes more people will be able to understand that having a disability does not mean you can't play sport.
The League For Persons With Disabilities General Supervisor Lu Hung-wen (呂鴻文) said how exercise is not just important for the young and old but also for those with disabilities. He said that regardless of disabilities, everyone should have equal opportunities to exercise and to receive training.
On Friday, The League For Persons With Disabilities kicked off their three day event at Huashan Creative Park in Taipei. The exhibition allows the public to experience the everyday challenges that individuals with disabilities face. It includes various interactive games as well as a special focus on sport.