Eighty-five institutionalized children with disabilities reached new levels of enthusiasm and physical activity during the fourth annual Para-Olympic games sponsored by World Vision. Last month's competition at Mercy House Nr2, Tashkent, drew children with disabilities from orphanages in the capital city Tashkent and surrounding regions of Uzbekistan.

The recreational sport events break the daily isolation from which many of the children suffer while enhancing the children's physical abilities. In addition, the children experience a sense of self-worth as they are cheered on and recognized for their abilities.

'The Para-Olympics had an amazing impact on our children. Children were positively stimulated and displayed so much energy and enthusiasm in their pursuit to win the tournaments. Even children with severe disabilities who spend their days motionless were striving for first place,' said Shahzoda Abdullayeva, a volunteer coach. 'Every child was so happy to participate in the games.'



Children who could walk and run played football and raced outdoors, while those who were less mobile participated in indoor crawling races.

'I am a bit upset to lose, but it's all right - we'll win next time. I'll try even more next year,' said 14 year-old Marina. Normally bound to a wheelchair, she took active part in a crawling race.

'The children were very excited; there was a true tournament spirit,' said Svetlana Umirbaeva, a World Vision social worker.

The three-day event also included an opening and closing ceremony, carnival and traditional Uzbek lunches.

'We are grateful for World Vision's support of this event, which helps children feel that they are not isolated but are full members of our society,' said Tatyana Saidova, director of Mercy House 2.

World Vision has sponsored for two years the Para-Olympics, an integral part of its Children in Crisis Rescue Program that aims to improve the lives of children with disabilities in Uzbekistan. The program concentrates on development of children with disabilities, prevention of child abandonment, and re-integration of children from institutions into family and community life.