Special Olympics UAE and Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment announced teaming up to support athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The two signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that grants year-round training and winter sports competition opportunities, prepping athletes for the 2025 Special Olympics Winter Games in Italy.
The partnership will also bring snow sports to Special Olympics athletes through Majid Al Futtaim’s indoor resorts: Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi.
Ski Dubai’s experienced instructors will provide training in cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding.
The MoU envisages focusing on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness for competitions and events organised by Special Olympics UAE throughout the year.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said the sports body is keen to forge community partnerships that have a positive impact on its athletes.
“The MoU signed today with Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment will enhance the capabilities of People of Determination in four of the most important kinds of winter sports,” Al Hashemi said.
It will also work to promote these sports in the UAE Special Olympics community by allowing players to train in world-class facilities in preparation for their participation in the World Winter Games that will be held in Italy next year, he added.
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said the organization will work side by side with the UAE Special Olympics to prepare the national team representing the UAE at the Special Olympics World Winter Games next year by providing technical and logistical support and providing expertise, training facilities, and the necessary specialist resources and tools.
Special Olympics UAE aims to strengthen community partnerships to enhance the quality of life for those with mental and developmental challenges.
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