Tears of Pride: Special Olympics UAE Games Commence

Special Olympics UAE Games Kick Off at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

The Special Olympics UAE Games officially commenced at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Friday.The opening ceremony resonated with cheers from athletes and proud parents, celebrating inclusion, determination, and the unifying power of sports.A marching band led the parade, followed by hundreds of athletes and their coaches, each carrying team banners, through the exhibition center halls onto the stage.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, graced the event with his presence.Scheduled until Monday, June 10, the Games will see over 600 athletes competing in various sports including bowling, badminton, basketball, football, powerlifting, and e-sports.The primary objective is to empower individuals with determination, promote inclusivity, and provide essential health assessments. Expressions of Pride Joanna Holt shared her emotional journey watching her daughter, Rebecca Hatcher, 26, compete in powerlifting. Holt expressed tears of joy witnessing her daughter's transformation from feeling excluded to finding her place within a team.

Hollie Murphy, founder of Heroes of Hope, described the opening ceremony as surreal and monumental, not just for athletes but also for coaches and families.Fatma Mohammed, head of strategy and projects at Special Olympics UAE, emphasized that the event is a celebration of humanity, breaking down barriers and changing perceptions of abilities.

Health Assessments All participating athletes will have access to health screenings covering various areas such as foot and hearing health, oral and dental health, mental health, and eye checks. Over 160 doctors and medical volunteers from across the country will oversee the screenings.

Doctors from the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Algeria will participate in healthcare training sessions in collaboration with Special Olympics Mena.Winners of the Local Golisano Health Leadership Award, recognizing organizations contributing to inclusive healthcare, will be announced during the Games.

Empowering Individuals Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE and chairman of the UAE Games, emphasized the importance of empowering individuals with determination and fostering inclusion through sports.

Special Olympics UAE History Established in October 2017, Special Olympics UAE aims to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports and leadership opportunities.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and leadership of Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed and Shamma Al Mazrui, the organization has launched community programs and initiatives to create a more inclusive society.

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

Source:The National

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