The first session of the High Council for Paralympic Day and Week was held, highlighting the importance of organizational participation in advancing the Paralympic movement and raising public awareness of Paralympic sports.
According to the Public Relations office of the Federation and the National Paralympic Committee, the meeting gathered Dr. Ghafour Kargari (President of the National Paralympic Committee), heads of Federations, general sports leaders, committee managers, and representatives of organizations charged with promoting disabled sports as mandated by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution.
Sport: A Multifaceted Catalyst for Social Well-Being
Dr. Kargari underscored sport’s distinguished impact—cultural, social, economic, and political—highlighting its significance for social vitality, enriching leisure time, and strengthening international relations. He noted that a nation’s flag is most often seen on sporting fields, demonstrating sport’s unique value for national prestige.
17 Million Iranians in the Paralympic Target Community
Referencing global statistics, Dr. Kargari stated that about 10% of each country’s population consists of people with disabilities. In Iran, this figure is estimated at 6–8 million, and including families, nearly 17 million people are directly or indirectly involved. Therefore, developing Paralympic sports can bring a transformational boost to the quality of life within this community.
Iran’s Global Achievements in Paralympic Sports
Dr. Kargari mentioned Iran’s impressive accomplishments both globally and across Asia in recent years, including being named the world’s leading country for women’s sport development by the International Paralympic Committee and the signing of an agreement to establish the Asian Paralympic Higher Education Center in Tehran.
Diverse Programs for National Paralympic Day
One main goal this year is to raise public awareness about the Paralympic movement. For every day of Paralympic Week, special programs are planned, and agencies such as the Martyrs Foundation, Welfare Organization, Exceptional Education Organization, and athletic federations have been asked to undertake parts of these activities. Invitations have been extended to the President and the International Paralympic Committee President to attend ceremonies.
Review of Supreme Council Cultural Revolution Resolutions
Dr. Koohpayehzadeh described the duties and challenges arising from the Supreme Council’s resolutions, stressing the need for inter-organizational synergy to achieve the movement’s cultural and social objectives.
