The history of the Paralympic Movement creation

Abstract

Worldwide, December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Back in 1982, a 10-year Action Program for Persons with Disabilities, called the «Decade of Disabled Persons», was adopted, and at its end in 1992, the General Assembly proclaimed December 3 the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The task of this day was to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in all spheres of public life, as well as to draw the attention of the general public to the problems of disabled people. Every year there are more and more people with disabilities, for instance, in the Russian Federation alone, the total number of disabled people is 9 % of the population. Some people resign themselves to their fate and close themselves within the walls of their home, while others continue to lead an active life, unwilling to change anything in their usual way in connection with their new status. Such strong-minded people master new professions, acquire previously unknown skills, and try to expand their horizons in various available ways. What is more, some unique personalities in a desire to prove to others, and first of all to themselves, that disability is not destiny even take part in sports competitions organized specifically for people with disabilities. While participation in the Olympics, and even more so victory in it, is a matter of prestige and world recognition for any famous athlete, participation in the Paralympic Games for a disabled person primarily means the victory of the spirit over the body, victory over their own helplessness and weakness, recognition of the fact of beauty and the value of life.