When choosing a holiday destination -Kyrgyzstan has much to offer the potential tourist: mountains and scenic landscapes; an unspoilt natural environment which supports a rich wildlife, both fauna and flora; historical connections with the Great Silk Road, the Soviet and many great historical figures; a rich culture drawing on the traditional nomadic lifestyle of Kyrgyz shepherds, mingled with that of their neighbours who have settled this diverse country. In other words: the opportunity for rest and recreation with a "change of scenery", the chance to meet new people and to experience a different culture. Every traveller has their own particular aim in mind when they plan their journey. Every tourist has their own interests and aspirations for what they want from their holiday - be it simply rest and relaxation such as on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul; adventure activities such as climbing, trekking, rafting and horseriding in the mountains; or experiencing the simple lifestyle of nomadic shepherds which retains many characteristics from an earlier age. They also have their own "special needs" that tour operators strive to cater for and satisfy - but some people have more than others... for example: vegetarians and people with special diets, or the disabled. It might seem strange at first glance to think of Kyrgyzstan as a destination for the disabled. The country is crisscrossed by huge mountain ranges -with difficult roads and conditions that can be daunting for even fittest person. Although Kyrgyzstan does not provide the most "disabled friendly" environment - not every building, for example, provides wheelchair access - special provision can be made and a number of activities specially designed for the disabled have been held in recent years including wheelchair marathons around Lake Issyk Kul and mountain climbing expeditions, organized by a local charity: the "Green Way Fund". The Fund was established by a number of people working in tourism in the Kyrgyz Republic with the aim of working for the integration of the disabled into modern society. To help fulfill this purpose they organise a number of activities which include - educational outreach through multimedia (TV programmes. Video, CD and DVD) and training seminars; designing and producing specialist wheel chairs as well as organising tours and sporting events for those with limited opportunities. As well organizing participation in an ascent of Mount Mackinley in North America, they have organized two ten day wheelchair marathons - 500 km around Lake Issyk Kul from Bishkek to Balykchi, Cholpon Ata, and Karakol. In each, an international group of "disabled sportsmen" of various ages. supported by a team of volunteers, travelled over 500 km from Bishkek around the lake, even travelling on some mountain roads in the region, such as up into the Djety Orguz valley. Each particpant was accompanied by cyclists and the whole group supported by a backup team in a small fleet of support vehicles. In addition to providing an adventure for those taking part, the marathons provided an opportunity to show that the disabled are just as enterprising as their able-bodied counterparts and all along the route they met and mingled with the local population, making many new friends. The events were not races, as most marathons are, but a tour of one of the most beautiful areas in Kyrgyzstan -offering an opportunity for a small number from one of society's often forgotten, disadvantaged, groups to see the sights, the landscape; to explore the countryside and natural environment; and to experience the traditional hospitality of the region. Although physically demanding, the marathons offered rest and recreation with a "change of scenery", a chance to meet new people and to experience a different culture. Contact Details for the Green Way Fund: Linear Street, 67-19, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. E-mail: chegroup@mail.ru