The message reads, in part:
“This wonderful forum is again bringing together talented, strong-willed and hard-working people, who have proved themselves in their studies, creative pursuits and professional endeavours. You not only strive for victory but also break many stereotypes and prove that a person facing a challenge is able to overcome any circumstances and achieve success, thereby serving as a role model for millions of our fellow citizens.
Let me stress that a common task for all echelons of power, public associations, and volunteers is to develop an accessible environment and create conditions for the rehabilitation and self-fulfillment of people with disabilities, their acquisition of new knowledge and skills, and their search for decent and interesting jobs.
In this connection, I would like to note the initiative and the proactive civic stance of the organisers of the Abilympics championship and thank them for this brilliant project implemented by the Russia – Land of Opportunity open platform, having come into its own and gained recognition and popularity.”
Abilympics is an international non-profit movement aimed at enhancing the prestige of skilled trades and promoting vocational education among people with disabilities. Russia joined the movement in 2014.
The Abilympics championship involves about 1,500 persons aged 14 to 65 years. There are competitions in 73 skills categories – 57 main and 16 presentational. Over 9,000 people took part in the elimination rounds held in 83 regions of Russia.