Government to Invest Over 220,000 Euros in Disability Sports
The Ministry of Social Affairs will allocate 223,775 euros to Estonian Paralympic Committee in support of this year's activities.
"For 20 years [the committee] has given disabled people the opportunity to actively participate in sports," said Minister of Social Affairs Hanno Pevkur. "I recognize [their] commitment and wish the athletes success and motivation for the upcoming season," he added.
In 2011, the organization is planning to host around 50 competitions in Estonia and send athletes to compete in 20 international events.
This year's international highlight events are World Cup competitions in swimming and rowing; the European Championships in swimming, track and field and shooting; as well as the international competition for the mentally disabled athletes called Global Game.
All of those events are significant qualification tests for meeting the norms of the 2012 Paralympic Games held in London.
In February 2011, the Estonian sledge hockey team won fourth place at the European Championships held in Sweden. In March, mentally disabled athletes were triumphant at the European track and field championships bringing home one silver and two bronze medals in shot put.
Ingrid Teesalu