There are two main goals behind the annual Paralympic Days, which took place in Kirchberg over the weekend. For one, they can be a trigger for able-bodied people to get involved in volunteering, for another, they can also rekindle the first spark of enthusiasm in people with disabilities. At the event, each of them thus received the opportunity to join one of the clubs of the Luxembourgish Parasports Federation.
14 workshops from across different sports disciplines were offered, same as a variety of competitions. According to Marc Schreiner, president of the Luxembourg Paralympic Committee, “the sports offer is extremely extensive. There is judo for blind people, climbing, or boccia.”
Organisers of the Paralympic Days stressed that regular exercise improves muscular strength and mobility, which is particularly beneficial to people with disabilities and their mastering of daily tasks.
Sociability also plays an important role, emphasised Marc Kiefer, the sporting director of the Paralympic Committee. Manufacturers of prosthetics were also present at the Rehabilitation Centre to help advise those in need.
Among them was Luxembourg’s tennis icon and former number 18 in the WTA singles ranking, Anne Kremer, who discovered parasports after suffering a serious injury in a motorcycle accident two years ago: “It is extremely difficult, I need so much energy to run, but I notice that I am improving and I expect that I will receive some tips here, including a tweaking of my prosthesis so that I can be even better tomorrow than I am today.”
Athletes who suffered life-changing injuries in accidents can thus rediscover the joys of competing with themselves, and also with others, at the annual Paralympic Days.
