VietNamNet Bridge – The East Meets West (EMW) Foundation yesterday, July 17, launched a new programme – INSPIRE Sports – an initiative to empower people with disabilities in Ha Noi.

Inspirational: The newly launched INSPIRE Sports initiative aims to engage people with disabilites in sports and community activities in order to boost their confidence and self-esteem. (Photo: VNS)
INSPIRE Sports identifies and strengthens a network of sports organisations at all levels, where under the guidance of trained coaches, people with disabilities integrate into the action. These networks are managed by the club participants with assistance from locally employed health care workers.

The programme, using existing facilities, will provide all unique equipment necessary, as well as coaches with training in special education.

The participating organisations will receive management training and funds for medical interventions, such as corrective surgeries.

The handover of 20 sport wheel-chairs, from Australian charity Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR) to the Viet Nam Paralympics Association marked INSPIRE Sports' launch. These vehicles will be used for a pilot programme in the central Quang Tri Province, which is home to the highest disabled population in Viet Nam.

DSR has committed to sending an Australian coach to host a wheelchair basketball coaching clinic for Vietnamese people later this year.

EMW and DSR also kicked off a cycling tour yesterday, known as Cycle Power, from Ha Noi to HCM City. The ride includes 20 Australian athletes and five from Quang Tri, as well as supporters.

Leading the 14 days' 540km journey is champion handcyclist and paraplegic Gary Connor. Gary heads a strong team including amputee Sam Bramham, Paralympic swimming gold medallist and world record holder, who aims to compete at the Paralympics in London 2012.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News