Sport has the power to be transformative. It brings people together, inspires joy and pride, creates bonds that last a lifetime, and has numerous physical and psychological benefits. Sport also contributes to a more vibrant, inclusive community, which is precisely why the Special Olympics is such an important platform globally and for Saudi Arabia.
The Special Olympics is a movement that goes beyond sport. It is an entire ecosystem that focuses on health, education, and creating communities that are accepting, understanding, and inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities.
The event acts as a catalyst for inclusion of the sort that is needed in societies across the world; many of us simply do not realize the obstacles that people with intellectual disabilities face. The Games raise awareness, educate, and help change attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities. It is a platform that advocates for more than just access to sports; it helps to break down barriers.
By promoting a message of inclusion and respect, the Special Olympics encourages us to embrace diversity and equity. Communities are stronger when individuals are empowered with the ability to reach their full potential. Besides giving athletes an opportunity to proudly represent their country, the sporting spectacle helps them become more independent and more integrated into our society. Inclusion in terms of employment, for example, will help people with intellectual disabilities to participate more actively in our economy. This will provide an immeasurable boost to confidence, self-esteem, and psychological well-being, as well as having a positive effect on families and friends.
This is why I am so proud of the fact that Saudi Arabia is set to participate in the Special Olympics World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi this March with the goal of helping foster a more inclusive society throughout the Kingdom, the region, and the world.
In the UAE capital, Saudi Arabia will be represented by 50 talented athletes who will wear our nation’s colors in events such as athletics, powerlifting, swimming, basketball, triathlon, and many more. Every corner of the country, from Al-Jawf to Dammam, Abha to Al-Ahsa, Riyadh to Jeddah, will have athletes to be proud of.
The Special Olympics is a movement that goes beyond sport. It is an entire ecosystem that focuses on health, education, and creating communities that are accepting, understanding, and inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Heidi Alaudeen Alaskary
Our athletes will be joined by their families and a delegation comprising coaches, doctors, and support staff. Also traveling from Saudi Arabia will be more than 200 volunteers of varying ages, professions, and backgrounds. Each one of these compassionate people has committed themselves to helping our talented athletes to realize their dreams in sport, as well as in life.
Volunteerism is essential to creating the ecosystem of enablement and support that makes the Special Olympics and athletes’ participation possible. The Games were created by volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and enthusiasm toward making the world a better place, and their legacy is continued through every single person — coaches, organizers, photographers and everyone in between — who contributes their valuable time to this incredible movement.
As the Assistant to the Head of the Saudi delegation at the upcoming World Games 2019, I am exceptionally proud of the men and women who will fly the flag of our Kingdom at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi. Let this occasion be a time for all of us to come together as one team in celebration and support of our athletes, who inspire us every day and who will make the Kingdom proud.
- Dr. Heidi Alaudeen Alaskary, PhD/CCC-SLP Managing Director for Diversity & Inclusion and Partnerships at General Sports Authority, and Assistant to the Head of the Saudi Arabia Delegation to Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
