The fifth meeting of the GCC Ministers of Labor, Social Affairs and Development, hosted by the Omani capital Muscat, honored the UAE Special Olympics Foundation for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The Foundation was nominated by the Ministry of Community Development as one of the leading public benefit institutions for 2018 and 2019 for its significant role in supporting and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, through sports and community programs. The award was received by Fatima Ibrahim Mohammed, Director of Strategy and Projects at the UAE Special Olympics Foundation, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who commended the efforts exerted by the GCC countries to promote the joint Gulf action. The aspirations of the citizens of the GCC States towards more cooperation, cohesion and integration.
The honoring was attended by ministers and undersecretaries of labor and social development ministries, and representatives of the leading development agencies in the Gulf States, which contributed to their pioneering projects in advancing the overall development of the GCC countries, thus fulfilling the aspirations of the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council in comprehensive and advanced development in all fields. The UAE Special Olympics Foundation was honored and the “Young Athletes” project was selected in particular. It is a program that gives young athletes between the ages of two and seven years the opportunity to play sports in a sustainable and fun-filled environment for children and their families.
Talal Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the UAE Special Olympics Foundation, said in a press statement: “We are proud to achieve these achievements, which add to the achievements of the UAE, which has had a significant impact on the development of the services sector for people with disabilities and intellectual disabilities. And to all the players and their families and the administrative and technical team, for their efforts in the success of the institution and its programs ».