Special Olympics UAE announced that the inaugural UAE Games for People of Determination will begin tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. More than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, students of determination, unified partners, coaches, technical staff and supervisory teams will participate in the event, the organisers said at a press conference today at Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE Games will comprise two flagship events. The first is the Unified Schools UAE Games, which will include football and badminton for boys and girls, in various age categories, and will be organised on 21st and 22nd May, with the participation of 400 students. The second event is the UAE Games for People of Determination’s clubs and centres, which will be held from 7th to 10th June, and will include competitions in six sports: badminton, basketball, bowling, football, e-sports and powerlifting. This event will witness the participation of more than 600 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the UAE, along with their coaches and other technical and supervisory teams. Both events will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The UAE Games is organised in close collaboration with several sports federations, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Dubai Sports Council and Sharjah Sports Council.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Chairman of the UAE Games Organising Committee, commented that the inaugural Games build on the enduring legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. “In line with the vision of our wise leadership that recognises the importance of making sustainable efforts to empower People of Determination, and provide them with all tools and means to fulfill their aspirations, we are delighted to announce the organisation of the first-ever UAE Games.
“We are keen to apply the best international practices and provide a platform for athletes with developmental and intellectual challenges to demonstrate their abilities and compete in a positive and empowering environment, that allows them to communicate and form friendships. Additionally, the games will enable Special Olympics UAE to assess athletes and use the insights generated for future planning and development plans, that Special Olympics UAE will collaborate with the People of Determination’s clubs and centres on executing in the future.”
The UAE Games will bring together all People of Determination’s clubs and centres to celebrate the powers of inclusive sports, including the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination, Al Ain Club for People of Determination, Dubai Club for People of Determination, Al Thiqa Club for the Disabled, Ajman Club for People of Determination, Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination, Khor Fakkan Club for the Disabled, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Dubai Centre for People of Determination, Fujairah Centre for People of Determination, and Dibba Centre for People of Determination.
Other community organisations and groups that will participate in the UAE Games include Heroes of Hope, Emirates Down Syndrome Association, Al Noor Centre for People with Disabilities, and other centres affiliated with the Zayed Higher Organisation in Abu Dhabi.
To maximise community engagement and participation, several complementary sports and health activities will be organised by Special Olympics UAE and its partners to coincide with the UAE Games, these include athletes’ health screenings, Part of Special Olympics UAE’s Healthy Athletes Programme, and are sponsored by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and delivered in partnership with Apollonia Dental Centre, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and Samaya Specialised Hospital.
Recreational sports activities, organised for unified partners and members of the community, to foster wider community participation will include football and basketball, organised by Zayed Higher Organisation and Jam Academy.
Organising the UAE Games is a multi-stakeholder effort, led by Special Olympics UAE and in coordination with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Emirati Marshals Programme, and the Emirates School Establishment.
The UAE Games is supported by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), sponsor of the Special Olympics UAE Health Programme, Aldar Properties, sponsor of the recreational basketball events, and the Integrated Transport Centre -Department of Municipalities and Transport, which provided transportation and logistical support.
Additional specialised services and support were provided by the Professional Communications Corporation (Nedaa), the UAE Badminton Federation, and the Emirates Body Building Federation.