2003 Press Releases

U.S. Ambassador Extols Turkmen Paralympic Group

Sept. 25, 2003

U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Tracey A. Jacobson attended the Turkmen National Paralympics Awards Ceremony on September 16 in Gokdere, formerly Chuli, and awarded twelve rounds of medals to the winners of that day's competition. The national competition among sportsmen with disabilities was held in the resort settlement outside Ashgabat from September 14-21. Winners will participate in regional competitions; and top finalists will compete in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.

The Ambassador was invited to the ceremony by the Director of the Turkmen Paralympics Committee Bayrammuhammet Seyitlikov. "The United States places much value on the Paralympics and Special Olympics for providing educational and social opportunities for disabled citizens in Turkmenistan," said the U.S. Ambassador addressing Paralympics participants. Mr. Seyitlikov spoke very highly of the U.S. support for the disabled of Turkmenistan and stated that the attention of the U.S. Embassy was very much appreciated.

After the Awards Ceremony, Ambassador Jacobson was invited to a nearby camp for the mentally and physically disabled. Ambassador Jacobson spoke with the residents of the camp and praised their self-determination and strong will to achieve excellence. All of the camp residents came out to talk with her.

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan seeks opportunities to support disabled people in various ways and believes that providing equal opportunities for the disabled is an important aspect of promoting human rights.