2023-04-17 12:39:51
Monday, April 17, 2023 – 4:37 PM
ABU DHABI, 17th April, 2020 (WAM) — The UAE Special Olympics organized the “Walk for Inclusion” march for a distance of 3 km on Al Hudayriat Island in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Department of Community Development and the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education – managed by the New England Children’s Center, and in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed. Bin Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan.
The march is the largest of its kind, with 1,100 participants, male and female, with the aim of highlighting the importance of assimilation and acceptance of different individuals in society, including all their multiple capabilities.
The march started from the Abu Dhabi Cycling Track, through the Al Hudayriat Heritage Walk, in the presence of families and friends of people of determination, to support and help them communicate with others and interact with them, and to educate the community on the best ways to utilize their skills and integrate them socially.
The event also included a range of different activities to spread the spirit of inclusion and interdependence among the crowds of attendees and people of determination and their families, such as taking group photos, playing games, providing quick health checks, awareness talks for families of people of determination by specialists, and presenting medals to participants and strategic partners in appreciation of their efforts.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the UAE Special Olympics, said that the increase in the number of participants in this year’s march reflects the increasing awareness of the importance of integrating people of determination among members of society, as they possess special abilities and unique areas of interest, they can contribute effectively to creating a better society.
He stressed the Special Olympics’ keenness to empower players and integrate them in various fields of life in an equitable manner, expressing thanks to the Department of Community Development for participating in this year’s edition, and to the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education, and all parties involved in organizational and logistical matters.
Dr. Laila Al-Hayyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at the Department of Community Development, explained that their participation in the community march establishes the importance of the activities and initiatives that fall under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination, in order to integrate and empower people of determination in society.
She said, “We seek to transform Abu Dhabi into a city equipped for people of determination in order to provide them with decent means of living, as they are an integral part of society and have a major role in sustainable and comprehensive development.”
Dr. Pam Olsen, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education, expressed her pride in the continuous cooperation with the UAE Special Olympics and the Department of Community Development in this march for the second year in a row, to enhance cohesion among all individuals in Abu Dhabi society to spread the concept of inclusion and support people of determination.
Ahmed Al-Boutli / Sami Abdel-Azim
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