JEDDAH, 11 January 2007 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has sanctioned five new sports clubs for the people of special needs in Madinah, Hail, Ahsa, Taif and Abha, the Saudi Press Agency reported yesterday quoting Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, head of the Youth Welfare Presidency.
“The king has also approved an annual financial assistance of SR500,000 each for the five clubs,” the prince said. He noted the special care given by King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan to the people of special needs that enables them to merge with society.
Prince Sultan ibn Fahd said the new clubs would be established with modern facilities of world-class standards. “They will have all the facilities required by the people of special needs to develop their sporting skills,” he added.
Prince Nawaf ibn Faisal, deputy chief of the presidency, commended the royal gesture and said it would have great impact on further developing the skills of the people of special needs.
“This group of people, who are a valuable part of our society has made great achievements during regional and international events, especially the fourth World Cup for people of special needs that was held in Germany,” he pointed out. The Saudi National Football Team with Special Needs won the 4th Football World Cup for People with Disabilities in Leverkusen, Germany, in September.
