PARALLEL is a non-profit international project that stands for the integration of people with intellectual and physical disabilities in our society. We actively and passionately work on the inclusion of people with intellectual and physical disabilities into all social activities. There are over 200000 people with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together with different associations that cherish the same values, our organization helps people with disabilities to develop in physical, mental, and spiritual ways through sports, social activities, and education. Our intention is to promote the rights of people with disabilities and educate and inform society of the urgent need of inclusion, especially concerning people with disabilities.

The final annual project of PARALLEL was the friendly competition Special Olympics in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The work of the Special Olympics in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Project “PARALLEL” was based on creating a social environment in which the rights of people with disabilities are respected and where United Nations policies on equal opportunities for persons with disabilities are applied by providing support in social activities and to their family members. The general goal of this project was to enable children and young people with intellectual and physical disabilities to get an opportunity to develop in sports, communication and social skills for easier integration in our society as well as the equalization of opportunities in order to directly improve the quality of life for children and youth with intellectual and physical disabilities.

The first photo shows Armina Avdić, a competitor in the tennis ball long throw discipline. The second photo shows Ismet Hodžić, Edin Bečić and Enes Fejzić, competitors in the 100 meter sprint discipline. The competition was held on October 21st and 22nd at the stadium “Tušanj”. In these photos we can see the inclusion of people with disabilities through opportunities given to them, alongside their efforts and training in various sport disciplines, to show the world what they are capable of. In this environment, they are able to prove themselves to society and show that they deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Inclusion means a lot to all members of the Parallel team. We advocate and promote inclusion daily, through various ways. We live that idea. It would mean a lot to us to partner up with others because we believe that every child has the right to be included in the society and some form of formal and non-formal education. It is up to us to help them fight for their rights and make it possible for them.