Children with disabilities experience joy of marathon

The competitive marathon “Let’s Walk the Walk Together3” was organized by Jeddah’s Help Center with the participation of more than 500 people with disabilities from 18 different centers for the disabled.
The marathon was organized with the support of the Makkah governor’s office, police, the Civil Defense and the Red Crescent for the third year in a row at Jeddah’s North Corniche.
The three-day marathon entitled “Fire Bolt friendly Games” gave the disabled children and athletes an opportunity to interact and integrate with their peers and to shine among the crowd including a 1000-strong gathering of spectators who came to cheer the children on.
The director of Jeddah police, Masood bin Faisal Al-Adwani, was the guest of honor at the event. He encouraged the participants and their families and the Jeddah security department presented special appreciation trophies to the winners on behalf of Jeddah police.
Al-Adwani said that the participation of the Jeddah security department in the program was a matter of honor for it. “I felt very pleased to be here among these children and athletes and was impressed by the way they showed their courage and willpower. I must say that this courage, enthusiasm and willpower wil make a difference,” he said.
He also praised the efforts of the organizers and participants and urged everyone to encourage the children and their families as part of their social responsibility.
Maha Al-Juffali, director of the Help Center, told Arab News that the aim of organizing such activities and events was to foster greater awareness and appreciation within the community, as well as give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to shine.
The mini marathon highlighted the athletic talents of persons with intellectual disabilities. The winners of the 1 km walk/run, which included participants above the age of 8 years among boys, were Ahmed Khan from Hope who came first, Ibrahim Ahmed of Alawon (second) and Dakheel Muzaynee (third).
Among girls, Minha Fakari from Bram center came first; Luma Al-Duwqee from Alawon second and Sarah Felmban third.
The winners of the 1 km run, which was for male participants with a specific athletic ability, was Ahmed Hakim from Dirat Ajdady (first), Ibrahim Lawaal from the Hope Center second and Mohammed Al-Kowakbi from Dirat Ajdady third.
The winners of the 500-meter walk for children under 9 years of age were Abdullah Al-Ghtani of Alawon who came first, Sarah Bajabar (second) and Adil Al-Malki (third).
The winners of the 500-meter walk for children over 9 years with health problems were Salim bin Imran of Alawon, Abdulrahman Al-Zubadi and Hamad Abu Hunsh.
The winners of the early intervention babies with their caregivers were Sareen Ala in the first position, Abdul Raoouf was second and Fatima Al-Harbi third.