Syria to host a conference on mentally disabled persons

Syria has discussed on Wednesday preparations to host the Olympiad of mentally disabled persons scheduled to be held next September at the Omayyads Palace under the motto, "a better life for mentally handicapped persons."

Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Diyala al- Haj Aref held talks in this respect with representative of the International Labour Organization ILO Youssef Karyouti. "The Olympiad comes in framework of the mounting interest in mentally disabled persons to cover their sport, social and health activities due to their being the main pillars the Olympiad is built on since its launching in 1968," an official at the ministry told SANA.

The Olympiad conference would discuss how the society looks at mentally disabled persons and how to integrate them with the society via education and training as well vocational rehabilitation and sports. "The gathering is taking into consideration policies related to social and health care and its implementation through therapy via Labor and social rehabilitation," a specialist at disabled centers said.

The conference of the Olympiad is to be held form September 13 until September 15.