The Rolling Fury basketball team at the UN

As part of the 12th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Permanent Mission of Monaco invited the New York Rolling Fury basketball team to the United Nations on 13 June, for a lunch, visit, and improvised basketball game. Through basketball, these young athletes with disabilities, aged 5 to 21 years old, learn to overcome their disability and increase their independence.

The Rolling Fury also took part in a side event: "1 Billion Voices: Making the Invisible Visible: The Power of Sport and the Expressive Arts," co-hosted by Manhattan Multicultural Counseling, UNDESA and United for All Peoples, during which H.E. Mrs. Isabelle PICCO, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations, made opening remarks.

While the Convention is now a pillar of human rights treaties, States must focus on breaking down cultural barriers so one billion people aren't left behind, as well as focus on creating the necessary infrastructures so they can fully enjoy their rights.

In this perspective, competitive sports or simple physical activity are means of integration and participation in society as well as a way to fight isolation.

Finally, she added that only a change in the way we perceive disability will help integrate this billion citizens, in order for them to contribute to the development of society.

New York City Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Victor CALISE, was also proud to call New York the most accessible city for people with disabilities.