ALSphere Foundation
“Competition ignites passion, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.” – Serena Williams
Special Olympics were held in Abu Dhabi in the first week of June with athletes competing across six different sports comprising bowling, badminton, basketball, football, powerlifting and e-sports. The participants were members of People of Determination clubs and centres across the UAE. These athletes personified resilience and determination and were an inspiration to all as they became brand ambassadors of inclusion and unity. More than six hundred athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities came together to celebrate the unifying power of sports.
The main aim of these games was to empower them through sport while providing them opportunities to display their talent and integrate them with the mainstream society. Through their participation in the Special Olympics UAE Games, the People of Determination were encouraged to develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and celebrate the success of their dedication and teamwork.
Three students from Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare association for People of Determination also participated in the competitive bowling event. It was the first time that students from the Centre stayed independently, away from home, under the supervision of the Sports coach.
The Special Olympics team hosted them for 5 days in a hotel in Abu Dhabi. As a parent of a person of determination, it takes a lot of courage for the parents to have faith that their ward will be fine in their absence.
As Anoushka’s parents, we were going through an array of emotions from anxiety to elation. Our main concern being that she independently manages her schedule, her meals, decides the attire for the day, takes care of her belongings, and conducts herself well. We couldn’t be there to guide her and lead the way. But she totally surprised us. She took the ownership and assured us that she would be fine. We stayed connected through video calls when possible and she updated us with the proceedings of the day. We were taken aback with the way she conducted herself with perfectly responsible behaviour. She learnt to share her room with another female contestant and be punctual at all times. Her disciplined behaviour was commendable.
The participants actively took part in bowling and even won medals. It was a moment of immense pride as our winners stood tall on the victory stands amidst loud applause from the audience. Their victory didn’t lie in the medals around their necks but in the fact that they participated well and treated this like a competition. Competitions are essential as they teach kids about winning and losing, which prepares them for future challenges. Children learn important skills like empathy, resilience, perseverance, and tenacity.
The onus for this experience goes to the centre for taking this bold step, taking responsibility of three persons of determination, each with unique requirements. We were given regular updates and that was very reassuring. Upon returning from the competition, the participants were received very warmly at the centre. This event proved to be a stepping stone towards complete independence. An opportunity like this inculcated a sense of responsibility in these young adults. We believe they are now ready to take on the world. The Special Olympics are a true example of “inclusion.”
Nisha Tandon
