Al Hashemi said: “The MoU will positively contribute to increasing interest and demand for badminton, a simple and pleasant sport of People of Determination with intellectual disabilities, within the Special Olympics community in the UAE.”
Haji Taqwi added: “The partnership is a result of successful collaboration between both entities which began with the virtual summer programme to teach badminton skills to People of Determination with intellectual disabilities.
“We often still reflect on the success of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. The UAE continues to send a global humanitarian message and sheds a positive light on our athletes, the People of Determination with intellectual disabilities, and it activates regional efforts aimed at empowering them.”
The MoU will be activated throughout the year, based on Special Olympics UAE 2018-2021 Strategy that aims to empower and integrate People of Determination with intellectual disabilities through sports and provide diverse services to athletes, families and caregivers.
Special Olympics UAE also focuses on training and education opportunities to spread awareness on active and healthy lifestyles by building fruitful partnerships with different stakeholders in the government and the community.