The mini-Olympics for people with disabilities in the Academy has began

Vushtrri, 27 June 2015 - The Academy for Public Safety (KAPS), today began mini-Olympics for people with disabilities.

At the opening of the mini-the Olympics took part, Director General of the Academy, Ismal Smakiqi, Ambassador of the Italian Embassy  in Kosovo, Andreas Ferrarese, OSCE mission chief Jan-Claude Schlumberger, Head of Paralympics Committee , Njomza Emini, local KFOR commander Anthony Waldner as well as other representatives of Kosovo institutions.

Head of Pre-Olympic Committee Njomza Emini said that it is a great privilege and historic event to welcome for the third time with OPFAKOS- mini-Olympics in 2015, the first since Kosovo's historic recognition in the World Olympic Committee in December 2014.

She also stressed that the organization of this mini-Olympics with traditional character send a clear message to the international sports institutions  that Kosovo has young community with special needs, who belong to world sports community, and officially want to be a part of all athletes of the world to contribute to building a better world, a more peaceful world.

I feel the weight, privilege and responsibility that in a moment like this the long-awaited and unique to each of us, to experience the pride, excitement and kindness that we get by mini-the Olympics for children and youth with disabilities".

As head of the OSCE mission in Kosovo Jan Claude Schlumberger, said how glad I am to see all of you here today in mini-Olympic tournament for people with disabilities and I am sure it will be a fun weekend with many games and entertainment and a chance to make new friends.

He also said that this event is not just for games and entertainment it has to do with social inclusion and integration of each and every one of us. Events like this where you can show your skills and talents are important because they offer us an excellent opportunity to remind us that each of us is gifted and  with proper help and guidance we can all be successful and valuable to the community, said Schlumberger.

OSCE  for the first time began supporting this event in 2005 here at the Academy, and since then the event has evolved and is now divided with Pre-Olympic Community of Kosovo and other local  and international partners. We are confident that under the leadership of Kosovo Pre-Olympic Committee event will continue the tradition of bringing you all together and will continue to attract your attention, Schlumberger said.  Ambassador of the Embassy of Italy in Kosovo, Andreas Ferrarese, welcomed participants of mini-Olympics he said he is happy to take part in the meeting of people who need to take care of society. The ambassador also expressed satisfaction with the presence of Italian KFOR who were mini-Olympics sponsor, as well as the presence of the Italian Carabinieri who are volunteer in the service of persons with disabilities during the last two days of the mini-Olympics.

As Director General of the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety Ismail Smakiqi welcomed them in  the Academy noting that this is a very important event because here two days in a row are developed different activities by the members of this  very important part of our society.

He said that the Academy is ready any time to support and help every citizen of the Republic of Kosovo. "Self-organization of mini- Olympics shows the importance of inclusion and providing equal opportunities for every member of our society," said Smakiqi.

The Academy during two consecutive days as the mini-Olympics lasts; people with disabilities will develop different sport activities like jogging in a wheelchair, basketball, handball, shooting etc. 

Mini-Olympics "Kosovo 2015" is organized by Pre-Olympic Committee of Kosovo and OPFAKOS "Parents of child", and is supported by Italian KFOR, OSCE and the Academy.

This committee together with other institutions organizes for the thirteen times the mini-Olympics, which has already become traditional and is organized every year.