Exhibition and book promotion 'New Birth - Paralympic Games' held in EU Info Centre

EU Info Centre, in cooperation with the Dante Alighieri association and the Italian Embassy in BiH, organised a book promotion and photo exhibition titled „New Birth - Paralympic Games“ by authors Marco Ciccolella, Emanuele Broli and Laura Predolini, Patria news agency reports.

Through a picturesque and figurative approach, the photographers captured significant stages of the 2012 London Paralympics: ceremonies, beginnings, challenges, falls, arrivals, victories, award ceremonies; but also the pathos, state of mind, confessions and experiences, thereby creating an authentic reportage from the London Paralympics.

The exhibition presented ten panels with photographs from the book, showcasing some of the best moments from the 2012 Paralympic Games.

- We need to create an environment where we ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to the labour market, the education system, and equal access to health services, sports and cultural activities - said Jan Snaidauf, Head of the Political and Economic Affairs Section in the EU Delegation, in his introductory address.

He also emphasised that it is the obligation of every society to ensure a healthy environment for persons with disabilities.

- The future goal of EU support is the development of social service centres aimed at supporting the social inclusion of vulnerable persons, including the transition from institutional to family care - concluded Snaidauf.

Ruggero Corrias, Italian Ambassador to BiH, praised the work of the authors and stated that he is proud that Italian authors managed to present such an important topic through these incredible photographs.

Marco Ciccolella, one of the authors of the book and exhibition, expressed admiration for the strong will displayed by the athletes while working on the book.

- Defeat and victory are two sides of the same medal, especially for those who manage to move on when the medal ends up on the wrong side. The challenge that others observe from afar represents a view from the bottom of the mountain towards the top: it may seem unconquerable for Paralympians, but with a brave heart, determination and sacrifice, they can reach it. That is indeed the ultimate achievement of Olympus - added Ciccolella.

Senad Turković, representative of the Paralympic Committee of BiH, reflected on the outstanding results of BiH athletes on and off the field.

- According to the latest research in the country, all successful BiH Paralympians are highly educated, which further speaks to their abilities in all aspects of life - concluded Turković.

Jasminka Selimović, Vice President of the Dante Alighieri association, Elvira Bešlija, representative of the Association of Persons Affected by Polio of the Federation of BiH and the Council of Persons with Disabilities of BiH, as well as Nermin Tulić, a BiH actor, also addressed those present, Patria reports.