• The MOUs aim to bolster support for People of Determination with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities across the UAE.
• Winners of the 2024 Local Golisano Health Leadership Awards: ADNOC, Healthpoint Hospital, and Apollonia World Pediatric Dental Clinic were recognized during day two of the Special Olympics UAE Games.
•  The Special Olympics UAE Games continues till June 10, with the participation of 600 athletes of determination with mental and developmental challenges.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 8, 2024: The UAE Games launched yesterday at a spectacular event at ADNEC with the participation of more than 600 athletes. The Games includes competitions, for men and women, in six sports: badminton, basketball, bowling, football, e-sports, and powerlifting.  

On the second day of the Games, Special Olympics UAE announced the establishment of “The Abu Dhabi Determination Cycling Team, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, with the aim of encouraging cycling among People of Determination with intellectual and developmental challenges, and building their capacities for participation in national, regional and international competitions.

Also on day two, Special Olympics UAE signed 11 MOUs with national institutions and private sector companies, with the aim of establishing a supportive and inclusive environment for People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The MOUs were signed with:

• 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
• The Social Media Pioneers Association

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE said, “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 to meaningfully.”

UAE FA General Secretary, HE Mohamed Hazzam Al Dhaheri said, “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, Burjeel Holdings, said, “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 2024 Local Golisano Health Leadership Award Winners Recognized

Special Olympics UAE also paid tribute to the recipients of the 2024 Local Golisano Health Leadership Award: ADNOC, Healthpoint Hospital and Apollonia World Pediatric Dental Clinic. The Golisano Award is given to the Special Olympics health program’s strategic partners, recognizing their commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting and enabling them to live healthier lives.

Al Hashemi added, “We congratulate the winners of the 2024 Local Golisano Health Leadership Award. Today, the Special Olympics UAE’s sports and health programs come together to empower People of Determination. Without both provisions, comprehensive societal inclusion cannot be achieved. We wish all the three winners of the 2024 Local Golisano Health Leadership Award the best of luck in the international competition.”

The first UAE Games will continue at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi until June 10.

-Ends-

About Special Olympics UAE:

In October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organization dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Maryam Bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President, and Her Excellency Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

The organization aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with mainstream society.

Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society.

The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017. 

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