UAE Games to challenge stereotypes surrounding intellectual disabilities

The inaugural UAE Games for People of Determination is set to dispel stereotypes about those with intellectual disabilities and empower students and athletes to fulfill their potential. The event, separated into two parts, aims to bring together individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents beyond academics.

The first segment of the event, the Unified Schools UAE Games, will see approximately 400 students competing at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on May 21 and May 22. This part of the event is designed to break stereotypes and allow students with disabilities to demonstrate their skills and abilities in a competitive setting.

Following the Unified Schools UAE Games, the UAE Games for People of Determination’s Clubs and Centres will take place from June 7-10. This part of the event will feature over 600 athletes participating in various sports such as badminton, basketball, bowling, football, e-sports, and powerlifting. The goal is to provide a platform for athletes with developmental and intellectual challenges to compete in a positive and empowering environment.

Fatma Al Musallami, head of strategy and projects at Special Olympics UAE, emphasized the importance of the unified games in breaking stereotypes and bringing students together. She stated, “It’ll move away from academic comparisons in classrooms, and allow students with disabilities to show their talents. [It will allow them] to show they are capable of excelling in different sectors and skills, beyond just academics.”

Parents and coaches have already noticed a positive shift in the morale of the athletes participating in the event. The Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi in 2019 welcomed over 7,000 athletes from more than 200 nations, highlighting the importance of inclusive sports events for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE and chairman of the UAE Games Organising Committee, expressed the organization’s commitment to providing a platform for athletes with developmental and intellectual challenges to showcase their abilities. He stated, “We are keen to apply best international practices and provide a platform for athletes with developmental and intellectual challenges to demonstrate their abilities and compete in a positive and empowering environment, that allows them to communicate and form friendships.”

The UAE Games for People of Determination aim to not only provide a competitive platform for individuals with disabilities but also to assess athletes’ abilities and use the insights generated for future planning and development. The event serves as a stepping stone towards promoting inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the UAE.

As the event kicks off, participants, organizers, and supporters are excited to witness the talents and skills of individuals with intellectual disabilities on display. The UAE Games for People of Determination are poised to make a significant impact in dispelling stereotypes and empowering individuals to reach their full potential in the world of sports.