• Over 250 Athletes and Unified Partners from clubs across the UAE participate in training sessions with Japanese sports experts.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 3, 2026: Special Olympics UAE today announced the successful conclusion of its program with the renowned Japanese basketball club, Alvark Tokyo. The initiative aimed to facilitate technical knowledge exchange, enhance training methodologies, and promote social inclusion and empowerment through basketball, following a visit by a delegation of professional Japanese coaches to the UAE.

Held under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), the program underscores Special Olympics UAE’s commitment to expanding international cooperation with leading sports organizations. By adopting global best practices in coaching and technical development, the program catered to the growing popularity of basketball within the Special Olympics community, providing professional training opportunities for Athletes (People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities) in organized, inclusive environments.

The program’s inaugural day in Dubai was attended by His Excellency Jun Imanishi, Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, highlighting the deep-rooted sporting and cultural ties between the two nations and their shared support for initiatives that foster inclusion through sport.

A Nationwide Circuit of Inclusion

More than 250 Athletes from various clubs participated alongside Unified Partners from JAM Academy and Al Wahda Sports Club. This collaboration successfully expanded the participation base and reinforced the concept of Unified Sports.

The comprehensive itinerary featured practical workshops, technical sessions, and Unified friendly matches across various educational and sports institutions:

• Dubai: Al Ittihad Private School, Jumeriah Dubai and a friendly match against JAM Sports Academy.
• Sharjah: A visit to Al Thiqah Club for the Disabled, featuring a workshop and a match against Al Hamriyah Club.
• Ajman: A technical session at the Ajman Club for People of Determination, including an official reception by the club’s management.
• Abu Dhabi: Activities at Al Wahda SC (Al Nahyan Stadium) and the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination, where a workshop and friendly match were held with the Al Wahda Youth Team.

His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, commented:

“This program reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening international partnerships that develop the inclusive sports ecosystem in the UAE. Our collaboration with Alvark Tokyo has added significant value to our programming, specifically in capacity building and providing our athletes with a professional training environment that emphasizes quality and discipline.”

He added: “What distinguishes this collaboration is its focus on long-term capacity building rather than short-term activities. We believe that developing inclusive sport begins with investing in coaches and athletes. This program is an extension of a relationship built on trust with our Japanese partners, and we deeply value Alvark Tokyo’s genuine commitment to the values of the Special Olympics movement.”

The delegation concluded the visit with a cultural tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, reflecting the values of tolerance and coexistence that define the UAE.

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