International Day of Families celebration was a blast with one of the most inclusive mini-marathons organized in the capital. The morning of sports events was organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and International Organization for Migration. The Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy of Turkmenistan, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan and Sports Club of People with Disabilities of Turkmenistan were the partners of the celebration.
“Families and Inclusive Societies” is the theme of the 2018 International Day of Families. More than 120 representatives of government organizations, public organizations, universities, international organizations and mass media gathered to mark the International Day.
“The United Nations recognizes the family as the basic unit of society,” said Ms. Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan in her opening speech. “The International Day promotes the role of families and family policies in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.”
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The guests of the celebration joined the mini-marathon, followed by a friendly mini-football match, table tennis, chess tournaments and other sport activities. A special Kids’ Zone was organized for the youngest participants.
Mini-marathon announced six winners: Come First, Come Last!
The mini-marathon had a mass appeal due to its inclusive nature – the runners included old and young, professionals and amateurs, men and women, and people with disabilities. With the slogan of the event “Leaving No One Behind!” six winners were awarded: the first three who came first in the race, as well as the last three who made it to the finish line with cheers and applause of the support teams.
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Football is a man’s sport? Think again!
Women’s football team took the trophy in an intense mini-football tournament. Four teams battled for the first prize: the football team of men with disabilities, women’s football team, youth football team and combined team of representatives of the United Nations, ministries and universities.
Award ceremony recognized all active participants of the sports tournaments. Kids were awarded special prizes and were recognized for their contribution to the event.
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The event was a wonderful platform to celebrate the great diversity of families in Turkmenistan. Families are strongest and healthiest when all people are empowered to access health care, acquire an education, contribute to their homes and communities, and realize their full potential. The United Nations in Turkmenistan supports the rights of all people to live healthy, empowered and fulfilled lives.
For more information:
Ene Tuyliyeva, Advocacy Communication Associate
Ms. Diana Chariyeva, IOM Communication focal point
Tel: 488325
Web: turkmenistan.unfpa.org, tm.one.un.org
