FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 6, 2008 - Break the Barriers, Inc. is the nation's premier sports-arts center uniting people of all abilities, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Role Model for Inclusion. One country at a time, Break the Barriers is motivating people around the world to work together celebrating all abilities.

In late December, Deby Hergenrader, executive director of Break the Barriers, received news of the formation of a dance team, "Motivation Romania," featuring professional gymnasts, Special Olympic athletes and wheelchair users resulting from Break the Barriers' two visits to Romania. The team has just completed its first performances in three towns in addition to Bucharest, and has requested the help of Break the Barriers coaches to assist in additional training.

"This year our Break the Barriers-inspired program was part of a larger project called "Champions with Our Support," said Cristian Ispas, director, Fundatia Motivation Romania. In April we will participate in an important event organized by Special Olympics Romania at the National Theater in Bucharest, aimed at raising awareness about abilities, and provide support to children with severe disabilities from three orphanages."

Motivation Romania is a wheelchair basketball team with whom Break the Barriers performed during its last visit.

Break the Barriers is a dedicated ambassador of ability and outreach around the world. The organization has developed workshops led by some of the nation's most renowned educators specializing in inclusion, and has fine-tuned its performing team, the Barrier Breakers, to travel the world to raise ability awareness and demonstrate the potential that is possible through understanding.

Break the Barriers began its international outreach program in 2005 by traveling to Romania in partnership with Joni Eareckson Tada Ministries, Xtreme Missions and Children to Love International (CTL), a humanitarian outreach organization in Romania, followed by a return visit in 2006. They conducted workshops and performed in Bucharest and many other towns in the region. In April 2007, two of the Romanian organizers came to Break the Barriers' headquarters in Fresno for additional training and certification in autistic programs for children.

"I can't tell you how proud we are of Motivation Romania said Hergenrader. "They are true 'Barrier Breakers.' It's gratifying to share what we have in common with our friends in Romania ? the spirit of joy we feel as we watch eyes being opened and hearts being softened as audiences learn to accept all people with various abilities."

In June, Break the Barriers will host 10 representatives of China's Department of Special Education and Disability Bureau for special training following the team's 2007 trip to Xiamen. Invited by the Xiamen's Disability Bureau, The Department of Religion and The Department of Education, they participated and performed in celebration of China's first National Day for the Disabled on May 20, 2007.

On the Horizon
While continuing to train and influence its valued partners in the U.S., China and Romania, Break the Barriers is currently preparing for its next mission as ambassadors of ability awareness and outreach, traveling to South Africa in May.

Although the team members are generously hosted in each country, it is up to the team to raise funds for travel costs and expenses. The upcoming trip to South Africa will require each member to raise $3,300. A special drive has been initiated to raise the $75,000 needed to provide for each member's travel. For more information, contact Break the Barriers at 559-432-6292.

You are invited to watch the Barrier Breakers' performance in China www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx_BYAGOecY and Motivation Romania www.youtube.com/crispasmrf on You Tube.

About Break the Barriers
Fresno-based Break the Barriers is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1985. Through sports, arts, aquatics, health and fitness programs for people of all abilities, Break the Barriers is recognized as a "National Role Model for Inclusion" by the U.S. Department of Special Education, acknowledged throughout California, the United States, and abroad for its equity advocacy. For more information, please visit www.breakthebarriers.org.