On July 24, a sports festival for disabled individuals was held in Jaffna. Approximately 60 individuals, who received assistance from Motivation Charitable Trust -- a USAID partner in providing assistance to disabled individuals -- took part in events such as cycle races, tricycle races, and track and field events. USAID Mission Director Carol Becker, speaking at the event, said "I have seen positive changes to the face of Jaffna and the abiding spirit of its people. This abiding spirit has been at the heart of the Jaipur Center and its mission in repairing the very human costs of war."

The Jaffna Jaipur Center for Disability Rehabilitation (JJCDR) is the successor organization of the Jaipur Foot Program, which formed in 1987, as the war intensified, to meet a growing need for services for war wounded and mine victims in Jaffna. Women conceived of the idea, Note to the Editors: A virus-free photograph regarding this press release is attached. Its caption should read: and current management remains in the hands of females - the top five officers are women. JJCDR's multi-faceted operation includes an artificial limb-fitting program, orthotics and metal workshops; a physiotherapy unit; counseling services and a hostel for beneficiaries being fitted for a limb. JJCDR is one of four indigenous prosthetic centers funded through USAID's Disabilities Support Program, implemented by Motivation Charitable Trust, a United Kingdom-based non-governmental organization.

Motivation Charitable Trust's local partners are situated in Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, Kandy, Ragama and Tangalle. This network of disability advocates and rehabilitative service allows USAID to support disabled civilians in government-controlled areas throughout Sri Lanka.

Since 1991, USAID/Sri Lanka has provided assistance for the large-scale supply of prosthetics, orthotics and mobility devices to civilians in Sri Lanka. In FY 2001 the program provided in excess of 1,900 limbs to civilian amputees. To date, over 7,000 amputees have benefited from USAID support.