The “Special Olympics” enhances the mental health of “owners of determination” with “Sakina”

Special Olympics Abu Dhabi Partners with Sakina for mental Wellness

In a significant move to prioritize the mental well-being of its athletes, the Special Olympics Abu Dhabi has joined forces with Sakina, a mental health platform launched by Burhailth. This partnership aims to provide thorough mental health support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering a culture of awareness and care within the Special Olympics community.

The memorandum of cooperation outlines several key provisions. Firstly, the Special Olympics will provide training opportunities for medical and administrative staff at Sakina, equipping them with the necessary skills to effectively support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Additionally, the program will include an annual mental health check-up for special Olympics athletes, ensuring early intervention and facilitating referrals to Sakina clinics when required. “The Special Olympics is keen to enhance cooperation with various institutions and bodies in the country, with the aim of developing its services and supporting its programs provided to the players,” said Muhammad Khalifa Al -Nuaimi, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Special Olympics. “We are proud to sign this memo with the Sakina platform, where it represents an prospect to provide specialized psychological care for our players with determination, in a way that contributes to supporting all aspects Their lives, and their integration into society.”

This partnership reflects the commitment of Abu Dhabi’s leadership to providing integrated and comprehensive care for individuals with mental and developmental challenges, creating a supportive environment that fosters their full potential and contributions to society.

Sakina will actively participate in the “Strong Minds” program, a mental health initiative within the Special Olympics. their doctors will focus on promoting mental well-being among athletes in a preventative manner. Furthermore, Sakina will collaborate with the Special Olympics to launch a public awareness campaign highlighting the importance of mental health. Workshops and lectures will be organized to provide psychological support to athletes, their families, and caregivers.

“We renew our commitment to enhancing the mental health of all groups, in order to achieve equal opportunities for all, and leads to a lasting positive impact through an integrated approach,” said Dr. Zain Ali Al -Yafi, the executive director of the Sakina platform.”The memorandum of understanding contributes to enhancing the exchange of experiences and knowledge in the field of healthy people who are It contributes to their growth and growth, and our aspiration for Abu Dhabi and the UAE to become a leading model in providing specialized psychological care For everyone.”

Since the launch of the Special Olympics’ unified healthcare program in 2021, significant progress has been made. Over 1221 medical professionals,including 748 doctors and nurses,have received training,totaling 261 hours of instruction. Consequently, 72 medical facilities and hospitals have been designated as unified healthcare providers, ensuring accessible and high-quality care for Special Olympics athletes.

Looking ahead, the focus remains on continuous improvement and expansion of this vital initiative.

call to Action:

The Special Olympics and Sakina’s partnership serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the field of mental health for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By supporting mental well-being, we empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

What specific services will Sakina provide for Special Olympics Abu Dhabi athletes, and how will these services be delivered?

Archyde News Exclusive: A Conversation wiht Dr. Zain Ali Al-Yafi, Executive Director of Sakina, on their Partnership with Special Olympics Abu Dhabi

Innovating Mental Health Support for Special Olympics Athletes

In an effort to prioritize the mental well-being of its athletes, Special Olympics Abu Dhabi has partnered with Sakina, a mental health platform launched by Burhailth. We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Zain Ali Al-Yafi,the executive director of Sakina,to discuss this groundbreaking collaboration.

Can you tell us about Sakina and its mission in relation to mental health?

sakina is a digital mental health platform that aims to remove barriers and increase access to mental health care in the UAE. Our mission is to promote mental well-being and support those struggling with mental health issues, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We strive to provide non-judgmental, confidential, and high-quality mental health services.

What motivated Sakina to partner with Special Olympics Abu Dhabi?

We believe that everyone deserves access to mental health care, regardless of their abilities. Special Olympics Abu Dhabi shares this commitment, and their Unified Healthcare program has made significant strides in ensuring accessible and high-quality care for their athletes. we saw this partnership as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the mental well-being of their athletes and foster a culture of awareness and care within the Special Olympics community.

What services will Sakina provide as part of this partnership?

Through this partnership, we will provide annual mental health check-ups for Special Olympics athletes, facilitating early intervention and referrals to Sakina clinics when required. Our doctors will also participate in the ‘Strong Minds’ program, promoting mental well-being among athletes through preventive measures. Moreover,we will collaborate on public awareness campaigns,workshops,and lectures to provide psychological support to athletes,their families,and caregivers.

How will this partnership improve mental health support for Special Olympics athletes?

our partnership will enhance the mental health support provided to Special Olympics athletes by offering specialized care tailored to their unique needs. By addressing mental health proactively and providing accessible care, we hope to empower athletes to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

What message do you hope this partnership sends to the wider community about mental health?

We hope this partnership sends a clear message that everyone deserve access to quality mental health care, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. By working together, Special Olympics Abu Dhabi and Sakina are creating a supportive habitat that fosters understanding, acceptance, and integration of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into society.

WhatS next for Sakina and Special Olympics Abu Dhabi in this partnership?

We look forward to building on the progress we’ve made and expanding our services to reach even more Special Olympics athletes. together, we will continue to innovate and improve mental health support, ensuring that no one is left behind in their pursuit of a healthy, happy life.

To learn more about this partnership and how you can support mental health initiatives, visit the Special Olympics Abu Dhabi and Sakina websites.