Special Olympics UAE Enhances Support For Inclusion With Key Partnerships

The Special Olympics UAE has signed 11 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with national institutions and private sector companies to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This initiative was announced on the second day of the games held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), featuring over 600 athletes from across the UAE.

The competitions, which include badminton, basketball, bowling, football, e-sports, and powerlifting, are open to both men and women. On the second day, Special Olympics UAE also announced the establishment of "The Abu Dhabi Determination Cycling Team" in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club. This initiative aims to encourage cycling among People of Determination and build their capacities for participation in various competitions.

The MoUs were signed with several key organisations: UAE Football Association; Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation; Emirates Bowling Federation; UAE Badminton Federation; UAE Basketball Association; UAE e-Sports Federation; Emirates Society of Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine; Jam Sports Academy; Burjeel Medical City; Millennium Hospital; and The Social Media Pioneers Association.

Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, stated, "The UAE Games is gaining momentum through the strength of partnerships that we forge to support People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are delighted with this significant presence of national sports federations and associations and health sector institutions. Today, Special Olympics UAE has signed ten agreements that represent strategic steps towards establishing a comprehensive UAE-wide sports ecosystem to integrate People of Determination; one in which every organization can contribute meaningfully."

Statements from Key Figures

Mohamed Hazzam Al Dhaheri, UAE FA General Secretary, commented, "We are proud of the depth of our relations with Special Olympics UAE, and of the UAE Football Association’s contribution to its work nationwide. Football is the world’s favourite sport, and we believe that the world must open its arms to People of Determination. Sport provides an important platform to achieve this inclusion. We look forward to more joint initiatives and congratulate Special Olympics UAE on the success of the first UAE Games."

Safeer Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer at Burjeel Holdings, added, "At Burjeel, we are committed to the dignity and inclusion of people of determination. The principles and standards of the Special Olympics UAE align perfectly with our vision, making us natural partners. We look forward to this partnership, welcoming people of determination and spreading the message of inclusion to ensure they receive the necessary privileges across the UAE and beyond."

The collaborations aim to create a comprehensive sports ecosystem in the UAE that integrates People of Determination into various athletic activities. These partnerships are seen as strategic steps towards achieving a more inclusive society where every organisation can contribute meaningfully.

With inputs from WAM