About IA2007


The first International Abilympics (IA) was held in Tokyo in 1981, commemorating the “International Year of Disabled Persons”, with wide support from both non-governmental and governmental organizations, helping to reshape the view of society in regard to the abilities, potentials and skills of disabled people, thus resulting in greater employment opportunities and vocational stability.

Before this, Japan has been hosting its own National Abilympics (Abilities Olympics) since 1972, aiming to improve vocational skills of people with disabilities in order to encourage their involvement in social and economic activities.

The experience and expertise of Japan's National Abilympics were used at the first IA. Besides the skill contests, various demonstrations, exhibitions and seminars were held, all of which contributed to raise public awareness that people with disabilities have vast potentials, and abilities that can contribute to society. The second IA was held in Bogota, Colombia in 1985. During this IA, a proposal was made to establish an international organization in charge of promoting and holding the IA. This lead to the formation of the International Abilympic Federation (IAF), which was in charge of the subsequent International Abilympics.

The IAF would choose a host organization to host the IA every few years, co-sponsored by Rehabilitation International, hoping to gain wide support for the IA throughout the world and and striving to achieve a society where people would all enjoy equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their disabilities.


IA 2007

Through various programs, the IA2007 aims to:

  • Raise awareness among the general public and employers regarding employment of persons with disabilities
  • Facilitate participation of contestants with various disabilities
  • Increase the number of participating countries and regions
  • Secure fairness and transparency in each contest

Events

  • Vocational Skill Contests
  • Leisure and Living Skill Contests
  • International Conference
  • Demonstration on work and culture
  • Exhibition of technology, equipment, work and products
  • Perform Arts Festival

Date

Schedule (Tentative)

AM

PM

~ Nov. 12

Arrival of Delegations

Nov. 13 (Tue)

- Registration

- Registration
- IAF Committee Meeting

Nov. 14 (Wed)

- Orientation for Team Leaders
- International Judges' Meeting
- Orientation/Site Inspection for Contestants

- 15:00-17:00  ISF2007 Opening Ceremony (IA & WSC)
- 17:30-19:00  Welcome Reception (Exchange among IA & WSC Contestants)

Nov. 15 (Thu)

- Skills Contests
- Demonstration & Exhibition

 

- Meeting for Speakers & Interpreters (International Symposium)

- Optional Events organized by Shizuoka

Nov. 16 (Fri)

- Skills Contests
- Demonstration & Exhibition
- 9:00 -17:00  International Symposium

- Optional Events organized by Shizuoka, Visit to WSC, etc.

Nov. 17 (Sat)

- Skills Contests
- Demonstration & Exhibition

- IAF Assembly Meeting

- Rehearsal for Performing Arts Festival

- Optional Events organized by Shizuoka, Visit to WSC, etc.

Nov. 18 (Sun)

- Performing Arts Festival**
- Award / Closing Ceremony**
- Farewell Party**