Spinal Cord Injury Day, 5 September 2019

“International Days” are celebrated to mark important aspects of human life and history. On the suggestion of its Prevention Committee, International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) has decided to observe ‘Spinal Cord Injury Day’ on 5th September every year with the intention of increasing awareness amongst the general public. It is presumed that the awareness would facilitate an inclusive life for persons with disability and ensure greater chances of success of prevention programs.

Since its inception on 5th September 2016, the ‘Spinal Cord Injury Day’ has been meeting an increasing success around the world, under different slogans: ‘Yes We Can’ in 2017 and ‘Stop Spinal Cord Injury’ in 2018.

This year, the focus will be on recreational activities, with the slogan ‘Living Life to the Fullest’. Positive approaches to promoting health are important for people with spinal cord injury. This can be best achieved through physically and mentally stimulating recreational activities: from wheelchair basketball to photography, from gardening to graphic arts, from fishing to music… the choices of activities are limitless and could include family members and carers or require the use of assistive devices. Persons taking part in these recreational activities will be rewarded with better physical and mental health, improved social interaction, and increased sense of well-being.

Events will be organized around the world, in as many countries as possible: please contact your medical centre or the local authority to know what is organized in your city.

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.worldsciday.org/index.html

Dr Jean-Gabriel Previnaire

Chair, ISCoS Prevention Committee