Unified sports at AccessAbilities Expo 2017 to facilitate inclusion and integration

Majid Abdullah Al Usaimi, Executive Director at the Dubai Club for People of Determination and Vice-President of UAE Disabled Sports Federation, has said sports play an integral role in the overall well-being of people of determination and the UAE and Dubai are taking active initiatives to encouraging special sports.

“Worldwide, governments are understanding the needs of people with determination and are taking steps toward creating an accessible and friendly environment. Sports for the disabled has been among the most effective initiatives for their well-being, helping people of determination give their best. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai, are on the forefront in taking measures toward creating a friendly environment for people of determination, and, at the same time, integrating them fully into the community,” said Usaimi, who is also a member of AccessAbilities Expo Advisory Board.

Dubai Club for People of Determination will facilitate unified sports, bringing people with and without disabilities together, during AccessAbilities Expo 2017 in a dedicated sports area.

The sports activities will include wheelchair basketball, boccia, archery, badminton, Kung Fu demonstration and athletics. The sports will be open to all, with the goal of facilitating inclusion. The sports area will also provide equipment and gadgets used by Paralympic champions and athletes.

AccessAbilities Expo, the Middle East’s largest expo for people with disabilities, will be held from November 7-9, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Participating in sports activities can not only enhance motor skills of people with disabilities, by increasing their strength, coordination, flexibility and balance, it also helps build confidence, social skills and emotional well-being. However, worldwide, the participation of people with disabilities in sports is very low and people with disabilities are twice likely to be physically inactive compared to people without disabilities, according to English Federation of Disability Sport.

Commenting on sports activities in AccessAbilities Expo, Usaimi said: “Unified sports are a highly effective step toward inclusion and AccessAbilities Expo is a strong initiative toward helping realising the goal of the larger movement toward inclusion and creating a friendly community for people with determination.”

AccessAbilities Expo is being organised by Reed Exhibitions and Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management. In its 2nd edition, the expo expects over 8,000 visitors including people of determination and their families, professionals in the area of disability, training centres, schools and organisations in health, rehabilitation, communications, sports, technology and other fields from both government and private sectors.