Netherlands Plays Host to International Paralympic Youth Camp

Young athletes gathering in Amsterdam 29 Sep 2011 By IPC

Young athletes with a physical impairment between the ages of 14 and 18 are gathering in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 24 September – 1 October for the third edition of the International Paralympic Youth Camp.

The camp, which has previously been held in Turkey and South Korea, is being organized by the Dutch Olympic Committee and Dutch Sports Federation, in collaboration with several partners in the Netherlands.

The athletes, hailing from eight different nations, will take part in sport activities and educational programmes that will make them aware of their capabilities both in and out of the sporting world. In addition to taking part in Paralympic sports, the participants will be challenged in other sports such as kickboxing.

On the educational side, the youths will be trained as ambassadors, and they will be taught the communication and organizational skills to start up youth sports in their own countries.

Team ParaStars, a group of established Dutch athletes that aims to gain understanding and respect for impaired athletes, will be present to help out. Athletes such as Wheelchair Tennis star Esther Vergeer will share their inspiring stories with those present.

For more information on the camp, please visit www.nocnsf.nl/home.