Inaugural UAE Games For People Of Determination Begins Tomorrow: Special Olympics UAE

The Special Olympics UAE has announced the commencement of the inaugural UAE Games for People of Determination, set to begin tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. More than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with students of determination, unified partners, coaches, technical staff, and supervisory teams, will participate in the event. This announcement was made today at a press conference held at Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE Games will feature two main events. The first is the Unified Schools UAE Games, which will include football and badminton for boys and girls across various age categories. This segment will take place on 21st and 22nd May and will see the participation of 400 students. The second event is the UAE Games for People of Determination’s clubs and centres, scheduled from 7th to 10th June. This event will include competitions in six sports: badminton, basketball, bowling, football, e-sports, and powerlifting. More than 600 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the UAE will participate.

Both events will be hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The UAE Games are organised in collaboration with several sports federations and councils, including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Dubai Sports Council, and Sharjah Sports Council. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Chairman of the UAE Games Organising Committee, highlighted that these inaugural games build on the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

"In line with our leadership's vision to empower People of Determination by providing them with tools to fulfil their aspirations, we are delighted to announce the first-ever UAE Games," Al Hashemi said. "We aim to apply best international practices and offer a platform for athletes with developmental and intellectual challenges to showcase their abilities."

Participating Clubs and Centres

The UAE Games will bring together various clubs and centres dedicated to People of Determination. These include:

• Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination
• Al Ain Club for People of Determination
• Dubai Club for People of Determination
• Al Thiqa Club for the Disabled
• Ajman Club for People of Determination
• Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination
• Khor Fakkan Club for the Disabled
• Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
• Dubai Centre for People of Determination
• Fujairah Centre for People of Determination
• Dibba Centre for People of Determination

Other community organisations participating include Heroes of Hope, Emirates Down Syndrome Association, Al Noor Centre for People with Disabilities, and centres affiliated with the Zayed Higher Organisation in Abu Dhabi.

Community Engagement Activities

To enhance community engagement, several complementary sports and health activities will be organised by Special Olympics UAE and its partners. These activities include health screenings as part of Special Olympics UAE’s Healthy Athletes Programme. Sponsored by ADNOC and delivered in partnership with Apollonia Dental Centre, SEHA, and Samaya Specialised Hospital.

Recreational sports activities such as football and basketball will also be organised by Zayed Higher Organisation and Jam Academy to foster wider community participation.

Support from Various Organisations

The organisation of the UAE Games involves multiple stakeholders led by Special Olympics UAE in coordination with ADNEC, the Emirati Marshals Programme, and the Emirates School Establishment. The event is supported by ADNOC as a sponsor of the Special Olympics UAE Health Programme. Aldar Properties sponsors recreational basketball events while the Integrated Transport Centre - Department of Municipalities and Transport provides transportation and logistical support.

Additional specialised services are provided by Professional Communications Corporation (Nedaa), the UAE Badminton Federation, and the Emirates Body Building Federation.

With inputs from WAM