2006 Press Releases

Peace Corps Volunteer Erin McNally congratulates those who received new wheelchairs.

Peace Corps Distributes Wheelchairs Throughout Turkmenistan

Nov. 21, 2006

Today, the Physical Culture and Sports Club for the Disabled and the U.S. Peace Corps conducted a wheelchair distribution ceremony. The Wheelchair Foundation in the USA donated 280 wheelchairs for disabled persons in Turkmenistan. The Physical Culture and Sports Club for the Disabled in Ashgabat, the recipient of the donation, is responsible for the distribution of wheelchairs to people in need throughout the country during the next month.

Peace Corps Director Bill Myer in his remarks noted "I am proud that our Peace Corps volunteer was able to have a role in this. Her accomplishment, as well as the director's of this sports club is significant."

Peace Corps Volunteer Erin McNally, who is currently engaged in work with the Physical Culture and Sports Club for the Disabled, played a key role in arranging the donation and the process of shipping the wheelchairs to Turkmenistan. The U.S. Department of State provided funding of about $21,100 and the U.S. Peace Corps funded about $1,000 for the project. As part of the project, the U.S. Peace Corps in Turkmenistan will provide initial training on the use of the chairs and assistance on their correct maintenance.

To learn more about the Peace Corps please visit http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm. For more information about Wheelchair Foundation please visit http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org.