Special Olympics UAE signs a memorandum of understanding with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment
- The MOU supports Special Olympics UAE Athletes’ preparations for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – January 21, 2024: Today, Special Olympics UAE signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment. The MOU aims to strengthen collaboration through offering Special Olympics UAE athletes and People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities year-round training and opportunities to participate in winter sports competitions in preparation for the upcoming Special Olympics Winter Games, which will be held in Italy in 2025.
In line with the MoU, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment will host sports sessions and events in partnership with Special Olympics UAE at Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, and Snow Abu Dhabi, Majid Al Futtaim’s indoor snow park in the capital. Ski Dubai’s expert instructors will train UAE Special Olympics athletes in selected winter sports, including cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive four-stage training plan conducted twice a week. These stages include talent recognition, team formation, capacity building, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring the players’ readiness for the upcoming winter sports competitions and other events organized by Special Olympics UAE throughout the year.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “Special Olympics UAE is keen to forge community partnerships that have a positive impact on our athletes, and the memorandum of understanding signed today with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment will enhance the capabilities of People of Determination in four of the most important kinds of winter sports. It will also work to promote these sports in the UAE Special Olympics community by allowing players to train in world-class facilities in preparation for their participation in the World Winter Games that will be held in Italy next year.”
Special Olympics UAE will reciprocate by providing specialized training for Majid Al Futtaim’s employees and members to interact effectively with People of Determination. The organization will also support sports and community events organized by the group, qualifying Majid Al Futtaim employees on the principles and rules for organizing Special Olympics UAE competitions.
Al Hashemi added, “The partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment underscores the spirit of collaboration and in implementing the national policy to empower People of Determination, achieve societal inclusion, and develop their abilities in various sports, solidifying the UAE’s global leadership in this important domain.”
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment said: “Sport has the transformative power to break barriers, unite people and drive social change. Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment is proud to sign this memorandum of understanding with the Special Olympics UAE and look forward to the beginning of this exciting journey which aims to foster acceptance and inclusion of people of determination. We will work side by side with the UAE Special Olympics to prepare the national team representing the UAE at the Special Olympics World Winter Games next year by providing technical and logistical support and providing expertise, training facilities, and the necessary specialist resources and tools.”
Special Olympics UAE aims to strengthen community partnerships to enhance the quality of life for those with mental and developmental challenges. The memorandum supports the participation of People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Majid Al Futtaim’s community sports events, providing them with opportunities to participate in activities that is tailored to diverse abilities.
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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 President, and Her Excellency Shamma Bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development 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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