JEDDAH: For the third time, Fire Bolt Friendly Games, a three-day sports meet for athletes with special needs organized by by Help Center and sponsored by Gandour, kicked off Tuesday.

Participants representing 18 centers saw action in bocce, basketball and athletics on opening day.

According to a press release from the Help Center, the competition aims to give "our athletes the opportunity to interact and integrate with their peers and to shine among the crowd. We believe sports offer them a unique arena for social interaction, competition, physical fitness and the chance to maximize the participants’ potential and talents."

"We aim to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the talents of people with intellectual disabilities in our community in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. This is also our platform to rally and call for action from all those concerned, to promote sporting opportunities among people with disabilities. Moreover, participation in sports will promote a healthier lifestyle and will also foster camaraderie," the press release said.

On Wednesday, fun runs in three categories will take place for the third time at Jeddah North Corniche at 9 a.m. The categories are: 1. 1-kilomter walk/run for all participants 8 years and above 2. 1-kilometer run for male participants with a specific athletic ability for running and 3. 500-meter walk for children under 9 years of age, participants with physical disabilities, medical problems, and early intervention babies with their caregivers.

A total of 500 participants are expected to join the fun runs.

On the final day Thursday, female participants will compete in bocce and athletics. In the evening, the basketball and football finals for females and males respectively will be played followed by the closing ceremony of the Fire Bolt Friendly Games.

For further details, please call at 6631113 ex 2063 or visit Help Center page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Helpcenterjeddah.