Fresno-Based Non-Profit Break the Barriers Affects Profound and Positive Worldwide Change in Raising Ability Awareness

Break the Barriers inspires creation of ground-breaking Romanian performing team. Break the Barriers, Inc. is the nation's premier sports-arts center uniting people of all abilities, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Role Model for Inclusion. One country at a time, Break the Barriers is motivating people around the world to work together celebrating all abilities.

Fresno, CA (PEWEB) February 6, 2008 -- Break the Barriers, Inc. is the nation's premier sports-arts center uniting people of all abilities, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Role Model for Inclusion. One country at a time, Break the Barriers is motivating people around the world to work together celebrating all abilities.

In late December, Deby Hergenrader, executive director of Break the Barriers, received news of the formation of a dance team, "Motivation Romania," featuring professional gymnasts, Special Olympic athletes and wheelchair users resulting from Break the Barriers' two visits to Romania. The team has just completed its first performances in three towns in addition to Bucharest, and has requested the help of Break the Barriers coaches to assist in additional training.

"This year our Break the Barriers-inspired program was part of a larger project called "Champions with Our Support," said Cristian Ispas, director, Fundatia Motivation Romania. "In April we will participate in an important event organized by Special Olympics Romania at the National Theater in Bucharest, aimed at raising awareness about abilities, and provide support to children with severe disabilities from three orphanages."

Motivation Romania is a wheelchair basketball team with whom Break the Barriers performed during its last visit.

Break the Barriers is a dedicated ambassador of ability and outreach around the world. The organization has developed workshops led by some of the nation's most renowned educators specializing in inclusion, and has fine-tuned its performing team, the Barrier Breakers, to travel the world to raise ability awareness and demonstrate the potential that is possible through understanding.

Break the Barriers began its international outreach program in 2005 by traveling to Romania in partnership with Joni Eareckson Tada Ministries, Xtreme Missions and Children to Love International (CTL), a humanitarian outreach organization in Romania, followed by a return visit in 2006. They conducted workshops and performed in Bucharest and many other towns in the region. In April 2007, two of the Romanian organizers came to Break the Barriers' headquarters in Fresno for additional training and certification in autistic programs for children.

"I can't tell you how proud we are of Motivation Romania said Hergenrader. "They are true 'Barrier Breakers.' It's gratifying to share what we have in common with our friends in Romania the spirit of joy we feel as we watch eyes being opened and hearts being softened as audiences learn to accept all people with various abilities."

In June, Break the Barriers will host 10 representatives of China's Department of Special Education and Disability Bureau for special training following the team's 2007 trip to Xiamen. Invited by the Xiamen's Disability Bureau, The Department of Religion and The Department of Education, they participated and performed in celebration of China's first National Day for the Disabled on May 20, 2007.

"Break the Barriers is an international influence," said the director of the Disability Bureau, "and because they use visual arts, we can see the potential of our children. The world needs this education!"

On the Horizon

While continuing to train and influence its valued partners in the U.S., China and Romania, Break the Barriers is currently preparing for its next mission as ambassadors of ability awareness and outreach, traveling to South Africa in May.

Although the team members are generously hosted in each country, it is up to the team to raise funds for travel costs and expenses. The upcoming trip to South Africa will require each member to raise $3,300. A special drive has been initiated to raise the $75,000 needed to provide for each member's travel. For more information, contact Break the Barriers at 559-432-6292.

Toatch the Barrier Breakers' performance in China visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx_BYAGOecY and Motivation Romania www.youtube.com/crispasmrf on You Tube.

About Break the Barriers

Fresno-based Break the Barriers is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1985. Through sports, arts, aquatics, health and fitness programs for people of all abilities, Break the Barriers is recognized as a "National Role Model for Inclusion" by the U.S. Department of Special Education, acknowledged throughout California, the United States, and abroad for its equity advocacy. For more information, please visit www.breakthebarriers.org.

Break the Barriers International Outreach Program Timeline

July 2005 -- BTB Travels to Romania, delivering wheelchairs, performing in orphanages, schools, churches and government venues.

2006 -- Break the Barriers makes its second trip to Romania in partnership with Children to Love International, delivering 17 performances in 10 days.

April 2007 --     Two organizers from Romania visit Break the Barriers Fresno headquarters for training and certification in programs for autistic children.

May 2007 -- BTB invited to Xiamen, China by Chinese Department of Disabled Services, The Department of Religion and The Department of Education to participate in the 1st National Day for the Disabled (May 20). Workshops and three performances each day throughout the Province.

January 2008 -- Break the Barriers launches drive to raise $75,000 for travel expenses for the team's upcoming trip to South Africa.

May 2008 --    Break the Barriers begins a 17 day trip to South Africa with stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town for Ability Awareness and Inclusion seminars, performances and education.

June 2008 -- Ten representatives from China's Department of Disability to visit Break the Barriers headquarters for training.

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