Iranian Ministry observe Incheon 2014 preparations

Dr. Rabiei, Iran’s Ministry of Co-operatives Labour and Social Welfare, visited a preparation camp last week (27 August) to see how Iranian athletes are preparing for next month’s Asian Para Games which take place in Incheon, South Korea, between 18-24 October.

He was warmly welcomed by officials from the Iranian Paralympic Committee and was made familiar with all the arrangements for the para-athletes attending the camps.

Dr. Rabiei, who was accompanied by Dr. Hashemi, President of State Welfare Organisation of Iran, visited women sitting volleyball, boccia, swimming and goalball camps.

After visiting national camps, the two officials met the sporting federations.

“One of the ministry’s roles is to support youth and issues surrounding impairment. Sports and para athletes life improvement have a meaningful association and we should take this into consideration,” said Dr Rabiei.

“Sports is one dimension and another aspect is to provide facilities for the people with disabilities to empower them to do sports; although I believe all the supports provided so far are not suffice and we have yet some weakness,” he added.

The 2014 Asian Para Games are set to attract 4,500 athletes from 41 countries who will participate in 23 sports.