By Nick Butler

Iran celebrate a sitting volleyball gold medal at Beijing 2008...their Paralympic programme has since enjoyed vast improvements ©Getty ImagesDecember 17 - A first ever National Paralympic Week has been held in Iran to help "raise awareness and change perceptions of disability".


The festival involved thousands of children with impairments participating in cultural, social and sports events across the country with the aim of encouraging more people to take part in sport activities in Iran.

The week was organised by the Paralympic Committee of Iran, supported by the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee - the Agitos Foundation - with funding provided by their grant support programme.

As well as to boost participation at grassroots levels, it is also hoped that by inspiring new youngsters Iran's already impressive record would be secured for future generations.

Iran finished in their highest ever position of 11th on the medals table at London 2012 with 24 medals, 10 of them gold.

Five of these titles came in athletics, as well as four in powerlifting and one for female archer Zahra Nemati, while medals were also won in sitting volleyball, seven a side football and shooting.

It is hoped that young Iranians will follow in the footsteps of Zahra Nemati in claiming a Paralympic gold medal ©Getty ImagesIt is hoped that young Iranians will follow in the footsteps of Zahra Nemati in claiming a Paralympic gold medal ©Getty Images




During National Paralympic Week, athletes tried to introduce and promote sports for people with impairments in schools, universities and media and even among their families to develop the concept of sport for all.

The week climaxed with an extravaganza in the Azadi Sport Complex in Tehran with more than 8,000 children and their families participating alongside live coverage on national television.

In addition, the event was attended by the vice-president of the Iranian Paralympic Committee, Dr. Rakhshani, the countries' Minister of Sport and Youth, Presidents of National Federations and football players including 1998 FIFA World Cup team member Mehdi Mahdavikia.

In another poignant gesture, a series of events focusing on women in sport were also run throughout the week to involve more active female participation in Para-sport in Iran and Asia more generally.

This included the holding of the first ever Asian Women in Sport Committee, with members discussing how they could make sure that more women from the region were given opportunities to take part in sport. 

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