Landmine Survivors Network Sitting volleyball

Introduction learning examples

LSN-Bosnia-Herzegovina Sitting Volleyball Programme and Annual Princess Diana Sitting Volleyball Tournament

In 1992 Bosnia and Herzegovina declared its independence from the Yugoslavian government. The Bosnian Serbs, supported by the neighboring Serbia, responded with armed resistance in an effort to partition the republic along ethnic lines to create a "greater Serbia." The result was a four-year war where approximately 250,000 people were killed, 200,000 were injured, and thousands of landmines were laid in the areas of conflict.

Bosnia is still a heavily mined country and considered by many to be one of the top 10 mined countries in the world. Active mines exist throughout the country as well as a heavily mined capital city. According to the Bosnia Mine Action Center, there are over 1,000,000 active landmines in the country and an estimated 30,000 minefields.

Objectives

The benefits of sports, exercise and recreation in the trauma recovery process are well-documented - because sports activities focus on abilities, not disabilities. For many landmine survivors and others with limb loss, sports improve their physical and psychological well-being.

Location

Bosnia-Herzogovina

Tournament was held in Tuzla

Targetgroup

Landmine Victims

Over the past five years, more than 1,500 landmine survivors and people with disabilities have met with LSN-Bosnia and Herzegovina Outreach Workers. The Network's current active caseload is 500-600 individuals and families. Around 700 survivors have reached a point where they no longer need LSN's services.

Use of sport

For many survivors, participation in sports is an important element to recovery. It can help restore strength and mobility. Sports are often a crucial link in helping survivors move forward into their new lives. Murat Asoli plays on 15 Maj. He lives in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina. He stepped on a landmine in April 1993, and lost his right leg below the knee.

"I have been playing sitting volleyball since May 1995, on a team named "Maj 15" in Tuzla. During my rehabilitation, playing sports had multiple benefits for my personal recovery. I accepted the truth about my loss of extremity. My inferiority complex disappeared and I was able to overcome the psychological barriers, which allowed me to reintegrate into society and live life alongside people who have not lost an extremity." - Murat Asoli

Conclusions

The LSN-sponsored Bosnia-Herzegovina sitting volleyball team won first place in the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games, and is the European and World Champions. "Sports are a natural way to break the isolation survivors often feel," says Network Director Plamenko Priganica.

Timeframe

1997-present

In addition to the Annual Princess Diana Memorial Sitting Volleyball Tournament, the Network is also developing an annual wheelchair basketball tournament.

Implementing Organization

Landmine Survivors Network Bosnia-Herzegovina

Contact

Landmine Survivors Network

Headquarters

Phone: +1-202-464-0007

Fax: +1-202-464-0011

E-mail: info@landminesurvivors.org

LSN Bosnia-Herzegovina

Phone: 387-35-25-14-00

Fax: 387-35-25-14-01

E-mail: lsnbih@landminesurvivors.org