Scuba diving courses in Paola, Italy, 27 July - 02 August 2009

For many years now, IRIFOR (the Italian Institute for Research, Training and Rehabilitation created by the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted), in particular its local office in Cosenza, has been organising scuba diving courses for blind and partially sighted people, providing the opportunity to learn scuba diving techniques and enjoy new experiences in the sea world. As in the past, IRIFOR, in cooperation with the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted, will accept a limited number of visually impaired persons from European countries in the scuba diving camp to be held in July - August 2009. Participants have to meet the following requirements: 1. Be between 18 and 40 years of age 2. Have good swimming skills 3. Be able to speak either Italian, English or Spanish 4. Be in good health conditions No previous scuba diving experience is required. All the necessary technical equipment will be provided by IRIFOR. Participants will have to pay a fee of 200 euros for their board and lodging expenses (accommodation in double room), the scuba diving course and the technical equipment. In addition to that they will have to cover their travel expenses from their country to Paola railway station or Lamezia Terme airport and back. IRIFOR will provide for the transfer to the venue of the summer camp. Participants in the course should arrive on Monday 27 July in the morning or, if necessary, on Sunday 26 July and they should leave on Sunday 02 August in the afternoon or, if necessary, on Monday 03 August. Participants must have a medical insurance valid in Italy. Pre-applications, including applicant's personal details, telephone number, e-mail address and a declaration of good health, have to be sent to the International Relations Office of the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted, 38 via Borgognona, Rome, Italy, tel: +39 06 69988375/388, fax: +39 06 69988328, e-mail: inter[at]uiciechi[dot]it (copy to favolamt[at]infinito[dot]it ). The deadline for pre-registration is 15th June 2009. Should the number of applications exceed the places available, a selection will be made on the basis of the order of receipt of applications.