Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 03, 2025: Special Olympics UAE, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), launched an innovative training program to enhance the skills of athletes in table tennis. Kicking off at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, the program brings together 120 athletes with intellectual and developmental challenges and 30 coaches from clubs across the UAE from February 2 to 6. The program aims to elevate the technical abilities of People of Determination in table tennis and open new pathways for the sport within the community.

The launch event welcomed representatives from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Sharjah Sports Council, and Al Thiqah Club for Disabled, along with a specialized Japanese delegation overseeing the program. The delegation includes experienced table tennis coaches and technical experts led by Ms. Maruko Hirano, a renowned coach from the Hirano Table Tennis Center in Japan. With a decade of experience coaching inclusive table tennis programs, Ms. Hirano has worked extensively with students of all abilities and currently leads a center in Japan that welcomes over 100 athletes of diverse backgrounds, including People of Determination, promoting social inclusion through sports.

H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, emphasized the significance of the program, stating: “Table tennis is a sport that allows People of Determination to express themselves, develop essential physical and mental skills, and compete. Through this program, we aim to enhance the capabilities of our athletes and create new opportunities within Special Olympics UAE’s sports community. We are excited to witness their progress and are grateful to JICE and the expert coaches for sharing their knowledge with our athletes and trainers across the UAE.”

The initiative is supported by eight national clubs, including Dubai Club for People of Determination, Ajman Club for People of Determination, Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination, Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, Al Thiqah Club for Disabled, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination, Al Ain Club for People of Determination, and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. Throughout the program, Japanese experts will share advanced techniques in playing, coaching, as well as conducting referee training, contributing to the development of table tennis within the UAE’s inclusive sports landscape.

This collaboration is part of a long-standing partnership between Special Olympics UAE and JICE, which has resulted in several successful programs. Notably, in January 2023, JICE hosted the Special Olympics UAE’s Women’s Unified Football Team for a training camp in Japan, preparing them for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Through initiatives like these, Special Olympics UAE remains dedicated to promoting inclusion, empowering athletes, and shaping a future where every individual can reach their full potential through the power of sports.

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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 the 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.