Disabled Women Join in International Friendship Half Marathon Event

Photo by Kaylie Tiessen

In the early hours of Saturday, November 17, 2007, the streets of downtown Vientiane were strangely empty of their usual fleet of motorcycles, tuk-tuks and cars, but the Lao National Stadium and the surrounding streets were a hub of activity none the less. Runners and walkers of many ages and nationalities showed off their physical abilities in Vientiane’s 10th Annual International Friendship Half Marathon. And while athletic types, the stereotypical participants in such an event, were present in abundance, they did not hold a monopoly on attendance. Also present were nearly forty women from the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre (LDWDC), all in matching light blue t-shirts, some in wheel chairs, others supported by crutches or friends, who overcame the obstacles of their disabilities to participate in this athletic event.

Some of the more able bodied women and their able bodied supporters took part in the 5,10 and (in one instance) even the 21 kilometre races, while the majority of the group stayed inside the National Stadium and completed three symbolic laps of the track. Though this may seem an easy task for an able bodied person, it was a feat accomplished only through great determination by these strong-spirited disabled women, who wanted to raise awareness of the challenges that disabled people face everyday, as well as draw attention to their many abilities. Ms. Kinnilone, herself a disabled woman and long time employee of the LDWDC had a clear message to get across on race day. “I want to say to all disabled people in Laos, and especially the women, be sure to pay attention to your work and education. Be confident! Remember that you are still a valuable part of this society and don’t let yourself become depressed by your physical disabilities.”

And how do the women feel about this special day? “They [were] very happy to attend,” says LDWDC director Ms. Chanhpheng Sivila. “The women come from many provinces, and they heard about International Friendship Half Marathon in Vientiane, but never before had the opportunity to participate. This event is about friendship and the women are happy to join in with able bodied people.” Each woman was awarded a special certificate for her efforts as she crossed the finish line. It is certainly an accomplishment that each one can be proud of for a long time to come.

As for the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre, the race to raise awareness and support for disabled women didn’t stop at the finish line. Today, the centre draws disabled women (and a few men) from all parts of the country, who are given a chance to learn a practical skill. The LDWDC offers vocational training and employment to these individuals in sewing, paper making, weaving or basic computer literacy as well as introductory English language instruction. Upon completion of their training, participants are able to return to their home communities with a new level of self worth and dignity, as they are now able to use their newly acquired skills to contribute to the family livelihood.

In addition to benefiting the individuals who pass through the centre, LDWDC acts as a valuable resource to the wider community, by demonstrating the abilities and potential of people living with disabilities and by building awareness within the general public of the needs and aspirations of disabled people in the Lao P.D.R.

*The LDWDC is supported in part by MCC Laos. For those of you who know Jane Snider and Larry Nafziger, they have worked with the centre for the past three years.