Wheelchair sport workshops and tournament in Nepal

(WAW) is a US-based non-profit that provides sport wheelchairs and facilitates workshops for NGOs in developing countries that have, or will start, an adaptive sports programme.  WAW aims to go to a different country each year to donate 11 sport wheelchairs and facilitate workshops.

Workshops and a tournament in Kathmandu
Taking place over a three day period, the workshops and tournament will mainly focus on wheelchair basketball and may include wheelchair soccer and rugby demonstrations. The event provides an opportunity for persons with disabilities to get involved in sport.

Building on recently facilitated training by a Danish NGO, this event will contribute to developing the capacity of players and coaches participating in wheelchair sports in Nepal. This also provides the Nepali public with another forum to increase awareness that persons with disabilities are no different than anyone else.

The entire event has been organised solely relying on in-kind donations. The number of participants involved in the workshops will be based on the number of interested persons with disabilities. 

Overcoming significant challenges
President of WAW, Dan Altan, commented, ''In Nepal,  athletes with disabilities are often ostracised and face significantly greater challenges than the general population. From some of the feedback we have received, it seems that the wheelchairs and equipment currently available for the participants to use are severely outdated, not sports appropriate, and limited in number. Funds for acquiring updated and new wheelchairs seem to be almost non-existent. By providing modern, competitive, sport wheelchairs to an adaptive sports programme, we feel there is a good chance of increasing the total number of participants, and to noticeably improve the physical, mental, emotional, and social strength and outlook of the disabled participants.''

The collaboration between WAW and Nepali based NGOs is well-timed and builds on past efforts aimed at promoting wheelchair sports in Nepal.

• Open the attached document to view the full event press release

[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]