Inaugural Special Olympics UAE Games Commence at ADNEC
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The inaugural Special Olympics UAE Games kicked off at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), with over 600 athletes from across the UAE participating. The Games, running from 7th to 10th June, feature six sports: bowling, badminton, basketball, football, powerlifting, and e-sports.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The opening ceremony saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including:
- Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation
- Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Federal Protocol and Strategic Narrative Authority
- Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General for the General Authority of Sports
- Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
- Ayman Abdel Wahab, Regional President of Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa
- Arif Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council
- Abdullah Al-Humaidan, General Secretary of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination
- Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE
The ceremony included a parade of participating athletes and the lighting of the UAE Games torch.
Participants and Clubs
Athletes from numerous People of Determination clubs and centers across the Emirates are participating, including:
- Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination
- Al Ain Club for People of Determination
- Dubai Club for People of Determination
- Al Thiqah Club for Disabled
- Ajman Club for the Disabled
- Ras Al Khaimah Centre for People of Determination
- Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled
- Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
- Heroes of Hope
- Emirates Down Syndrome Association
- Ras Al Khaimah for Welfare and Rehabilitation Centre for People of Determination
- Fujairah Centre for People of Determination
- Dibba Al Fujairah Centre for Care and Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities
- Al Noor Rehabilitation and Welfare Association for People of Determination
- Various local centers operated by Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination across Abu Dhabi emirate
Reflections and Comments
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Chairman of the UAE Games, reflected on the success of the Unified Schools UAE Games held in May and expressed pride in launching this landmark event for clubs and centers for People of Determination. “These remarkable athletes personify resilience, they continue to inspire us all and demonstrate the power of sports to drive inclusion and unity. Through their participation in the Special Olympics UAE Games, we encourage them to develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and celebrate the success of their dedication and teamwork.”
Al Hashemi emphasized the importance of the leadership’s guidance and the support from sponsors and partners, including ADNEC, Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Police, Burjeel Group, and Appolonia Dentistry for Children. “Today, along with our partners, we continue to establish the UAE’s position as a global leader in empowering People of Determination across all sectors, namely the sports and healthcare sectors. We also thank all the coaches, medical staff, technical staff, caregivers, and family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
The Special Olympics UAE Games aim to foster inclusion and showcase the capabilities of People of Determination, celebrating their achievements and dedication.
