A group of thirty able and disabled young people from Beijing started a life-changing international programme on 23 June. Working with globally renowned providers of community education, such as the UK’s Royal Ballet Company, they will develop skills to become advocates of the Paralympic Spirit. Through the ideals inspiration, determination, participation and equality, the Paralympic Spirit sets out to encourage the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport.

The Young Advocates Programme is a British Council initiated project, organised in partnership with the Chinese Disabled Persons Federation. The programme in China offers training and skills development to a total of 120 able and disabled young people from around the country, culminating in an international Youth Forum in Beijing during the Paralympic Games in September. At this event China’s young advocates will be joined by other young advocates from around the world.

A Global Community

The programme aims to create a network of 240 able and disabled young advocates, aged 18 to 25, across the globe. Through workshops and training the young advocates will develop leadership and communication skills, enabling them to contribute to their local communities by raising awareness of social inclusion.

Says Robin Rickard, Director British Council North and Central China: ‘The thirty Beijing Young Advocates are exceptional young people, including among their number athletes, community volunteers, and students of social work and special needs teaching. Through these young advocates disseminating information and training in their community, millions will become aware of the potential of sport to benefit a diverse range of people, and the active role young people with a disability can play in society.’

Forging a legacy at home and abroad There may also be a time when the Young Advocates can play a role in working with people who have been left with disabilities from the earthquake in Sichuan. Says Robin: ‘In consultation with our project partner, the Chinese Disabled Peoples Federation, we hope to expand the Young Advocates Programme to Sichuan. We believe that our Young Advocates can be messengers of hope, determination and inspiration to those individuals who are adapting to being disabled.’ The ambition of the Young Advocates Programme is to develop an international legacy for the Paralympic Games in Beijing this year and London in 2012 and beyond.