Special Olympics UAE Kicks Off First Gulf Badminton Competition at Khalifa University with Participation of Six Delegations

“We extend our sincere thanks to the leadership of the UAE and Special Olympics UAE for organizing and hosting this competition at the state-of-the-art facilities in Khalifa University. The World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 has set an aspirational blueprint for collaboration among Special Olympics programs in the region, and the First Gulf Badminton Competition builds on this legacy. We eagerly look forward to hosting more competitions across the MENA region.” He concluded.

H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said “We are pleased to host the first edition of the Gulf Badminton Competition for the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, which reflects our keenness in the Council to support sporting events related to People of Determination, who are considered an essential component of Emirati society as well as an effective and influential element in various segments of life, in order to achieve the comprehensive strategy of the Abu Dhabi government.

“The results achieved in 2019 through the UAE’s hosting of the World Special Olympics encouraged more people to support People of Determination in sports, which in turn reflects the role and position of Abu Dhabi on the local and international sports map and its readiness to make every major sporting event a success.”

H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “Special Olympics UAE welcomes all the delegations participating in the inaugural Gulf Badminton Competition in their second home, the UAE. We are proud to host this group of inspiring badminton athletes from across the Gulf for the first time in the United Arab Emirates, where we prioritize People of Determination and continuously work towards integrating them and activating their role in sports and all aspects of life. We wish everyone all the best in the competition and hope that it motivates more athletes to join the sport,”

“We value the vital role of partners and supporters, including Special Olympics MENA, Badminton World Federation, UAE Badminton Federation, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Khalifa University. As Abu Dhabi hosts this groundbreaking competition, we eagerly anticipate the participation and excellence of our athletes in future events.” Al Hashemi concluded.  

A training program for 21 technical and administrative staff representatives from Canada, Malaysia, Egypt, Spain, Vietnam, China, the United States, and Peru was held on the sidelines of the competition on May 8 and 9. The program, which encompasses theoretical and practical components, aims to enhance participants’ technical skills and qualifications to manage and arbitrate badminton events for People of Determination.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President at Khalifa University said: “We are proud to host the First Special Olympics MENA Sub-regional Gulf Badminton Competition at Khalifa University in collaboration with our partners. Through the event’s positive impact on society, we remain consistently committed to supporting People of Determination and advancing the strategic goals of Special Olympics UAE. We look forward to witnessing the camaraderie among participating delegations and anticipate an exceptional performance from all athletes. These competitions not only support integration but also showcase the athletes as exemplary sports role models.”

Khalifa University features state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, providing a premier setting for hosting major international sporting competitions and games. 

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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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About Khalifa University of Science and Technology:

Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the UAE’s top-ranked research-intensive institution, focuses on developing world leaders and critical thinkers in science, engineering and medicine. The world-class university endeavors to be a catalyst to the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy as an education destination of choice and a global leader among widely acknowledged international universities.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ku.ac.ae/