On 18 March 2013, the Afghan Landmine Survivors Organization (ALSO) is awarded a precious honorary medal by the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan. The medal was awarded in recognition of ALSO’s efforts for empowering landmine survivors and other people with disabilities in Afghanistan. One of the recent initiatives of ALSO was the first time ever swimming match with participation of landmine survivors/people with disabilities which took place on 18 March 2013 in Kabul. The match was organized to mark the 14th entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty. The over 100 participants, included the head of National Olympic Committee, Mr. Zahir Aghbar and Head of Paralympic Mr. Haji Amir Mahmood, MPs, Deputy Ministry of Women Affair, civil society disability rights activities and survivors as well as media outlets