- The event, organized by special Olympics UAE,with the support of ADNOC, as a strategic partner, saw 52 unified teamscompete for the Unified Robotics League title.
- The finals were held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, following national qualifying rounds, that included 142 teams from schools nationwide.
- The finals were judged by 13 experienced educational and technical experts, representing several specialized institutions in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – May 23, 2024: 52 unified teams from schools across the UAE competedin the finals of the Unified Robotics League, which is organized by Special Olympics UAE for the third year, with the support of ADNOC as a strategic partner and sponsor. The qualifying rounds began during October 2023, andwitnessedseveral rounds, during which 142 teams from 142 schools across the UAE competed. A total of 640 students of determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their unified partners, participated in competitions designed for different age groups.
The unified teams from various schools comprise at least 50% students of determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their peers, who work together throughout the competition rounds to complete the coding tasks assigned to them. At the finals, 234 students in 52 qualified teamswent head-to-head for the top spots, and the winners were awarded medals and certificates of appreciation at the end of the day.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “The Unified Robotics League achieves continuous success year-on-year, and we see a real difference in the level of student interest,project sophistication and the development of unified teams, which proves that our goals and especially meaningful inclusion are being achieved. It also indicatesthat the participating schools and teachers are gaining greater experience every year, which is reflected in the level of participation and competition between the teams.”
“We extend our appreciation to our partners and supporters including ADNOC, our strategic partner and sponsor, and the Higher Colleges of Technology, Emirates Foundation, and the Emirates Schools Establishment. Their support is instrumental in the organization of the finals and the qualifying rounds, and the seamless running of the competition.” Al Hashemi added.
The Unified Robotics League is an interactive educational experience that aims to introduce students of diverse abilities to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and robotics, and inspire them to consider them as a career path in the future. The league is judged by 13 experts from various backgrounds and institutions: five from ADNOC, two from Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, three from the Higher Colleges of Technology, with two arbitrators from the Emirates Schools Establishment, and one from Special Olympics UAE.
The technical aspects are evaluated by representatives of ATLAB. Awards are not only given for the technical aspects of students’ projects, as judges also award prizes and medals for the best presentations, the most inclusive teams, and the most creative ideas.
ADNOC’s sponsorship of the Unified Robotics program aligns with itssupportof nationwide initiatives that contribute to advancing inclusion in the community. It also builds on a strong track record in working with schools, to foster a vibrant and inclusive environments andrespect for diverse differences. This sponsorship also aligns with the UAE’s commitment to advancing technologies of the future and promoting innovation and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to drive growth.
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About Special Olympics UAE:
In October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organization dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Maryam Bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President, and Her Excellency Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
The organization aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with the mainstream society.
Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society.
The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017.
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