Special Olympics with the Emirates

Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates, December 12th, 2022: Special Olympics UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Golf Federation yesterday, during the first Special Olympics National Unified Golf Festival at Yas Acres Golf and Country Club in Abu Dhabi. The MoU will promote golf within the Special Olympics UAE community to enhance the skills of Athletes and People of Determination with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and increase their readiness for international tournaments and competitions.

On this occasion, His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “We take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to the Emirates Golf Federation for this valuable partnership. Through this MoU, workshops for coaches, referees, organizers, and volunteers will be arranged to promote and develop golf as an important sport for Special Olympics UAE.

We are also pleased with the success of the first Special Olympics UAE National Unified Golf Festival, which was organized in cooperation with the Emirates Golf Association. The wonderful performance of our Athletes, their enthusiasm and great chemistry with their peers and unified partners created the perfect atmosphere for them to explore golf and enjoy it together in an inclusive environment.” His Excellency added: “Special Olympics UAE organizes Unified Sports events to develop the skill sets of our Athletes across various sports, which empowers and integrates them in society. These events are also a key component of our preparation strategy for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Commenting on the event, General Abdullah AlHashmi, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation said: “Hosting the Special Olympics UAE National Unified Golf Festival at Yas Acres is a true collaboration within UAE golf. The Emirates Golf Federation is committed to providing the opportunity and the platform for every person to have the chance to play and compete. We are all brothers and sisters in this country no matter the age, gender, or disability. We are all one.”

He added: “Special Olympics UAE and Emirates Golf Federation’s partnership will bring everyone together under the same vision and goal. This festival is one of many initiatives that we look to continue to carry out in order to push the UAE Determined Golfers Program.”

The first Special Olympics UAE National Unified Golf Festival witnessed a collaborative competition between the Special Olympics UAE Athletes and unified partners and was organized to prepare the Special Olympics UAE Athletes for their participation in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.