Abu Dhabi Launches 'Move United' to Foster Inclusive Community Sports

Abu Dhabi has taken a significant step towards inclusivity in sports with the launch of Move United, an accelerator program designed to promote inclusive community sports for people of determination (PoD). This initiative is a collaborative effort supported by the Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Authority for Social Contribution – Ma’an, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, and Special Olympics UAE. The program aims to integrate PoD into community sports by providing tailored training sessions suited to various disabilities.

The inauguration of Move United was marked during the Abu Dhabi Run & Ride event, spearheaded by Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development. The event saw participation from officials and PoD alike. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi, underscored the importance of including PoD in community sports to foster inclusion and promote healthy lifestyles. He also highlighted their pivotal role in the success of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed his gratitude for the support and collaboration in launching Move United. Initially focusing on running and cycling, the program aims to expand to include more sports in future phases. Al Awani anticipates a successful outcome for Move United due to the high demand for such inclusive initiatives.

Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, shared the organization's enthusiasm for partnering with the Department of Community Development and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for this initiative. Special Olympics UAE will contribute technical support, train-the-trainer sessions, and awareness sessions for PoD and their families throughout the year.

Move United is built on principles that include mainstreaming disability, fostering family cohesion, ensuring geographical coverage, implementing community interventions, considering individual needs and abilities, and reaching all age groups. This program aligns with the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination by aiming to eliminate barriers that prevent the participation and integration of people with disabilities into society.

Earlier this year, the introduction of the Sports for All Policy by the Department of Community Development and Abu Dhabi Sports Council underscored the commitment to promoting physical activity and sports participation among all individuals, including those requiring support. Move United reflects Abu Dhabi's dedication to inclusion and empowerment with a target participation rate of 5% of PoD in community sports in the short term, aiming to increase to 7% in the long term.

The program also emphasizes empowering families of people with disabilities to provide necessary care and encourages their participation as well. By accelerating universal access to inclusive community sports and involving various entities such as Special Olympics UAE, Abu Dhabi's specialized sports clubs, and government offices, Move United aims to elevate sports participation levels across all members of the Abu Dhabi community.

With inputs from WAM