Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cologne (Fides Service) - Organisers expect between 700,000 and 800,000 young people to take part in the main celebrations of the 20th World Youth day organised by the Catholic Church to be held this time in Germany, in the city of Cologne, 11 to 21 August. Organisers also expect about 16,000 young people with a disability to take part. A few days ago the official WYD web site (www.wjt2005.de o www.wyd2005.org), added a information video for the deaf complete with sign language. “We want to show that we take the mother language of the deaf seriously” said Simone Bell-D’Avis, WYD delegate for young people with a disability. “For WYD it is important to make sure that young participants with a disability can take part and to have as many as possible present“. The video offers information on the Day in sign language German and international.
The web site offers five language versions: German, English, French, Spanish and Italian. There are four special sections: 1) Participants” young people of 16 to 30 includes a heading “kreuzbewegt - a Cross moves the world” providing information on the pilgrimage of the Youth Cross at the moment visiting German dioceses and testimonials of young people who took part in previous WYD; “Under Construction” with information on the day reserved for social assistance during WYD; 2) “For helpers and collaborators” for people wishing to offer concrete support to the 20th world Youth Day: volunteers, families willing to offer accommodation, benefactors and sponsors; 3) “For the press” photographic material and documentation; 4) “WYD 2005” gives general information and a glossary on the different themes of the initiative and the event itself.
To facilitate use the site visitors can select the size of various fonts. It also offers on-line enrolment, subscription to newsletter and using “WJT-Online-Shop” visitors may purchase WYD T-shirts, scarf, caps, cups etc.. Last but not least, the web site offers a list of useful links and addresses. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 21/02/2005 - 31 righe, 340 parole)
