Schools learn how to help inclusion of special young atheletes in sport

▶ Partnership between Special Olympics and British Council aims to create right atmosphere

Teachers and pupils are to learn how to help more people with special needs to become involved in sport.

The initiative, run by the British Council and the Special Olympics UAE, is teaching children how to create an inclusive atmosphere for those with disabilities.

Organisers hope the scheme will help to generate a lasting legacy for the Special Olympics World Games, to be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next year from March 14 to 21.

The pilot project will cover about 4,000 pupils in 25 government, private and special education centres initially with plans to expand the initiative.

“We want our country to be a friendly place for all people with special needs,” said Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE.

“We will be hosting one of the biggest humanitarian sports events in the world so now is the right time to spread the lessons to the young.

“Inclusion needs time and has to be done correctly, so we’ll start with clinics and workshops and slowly cover as many schools as we can.”

About 7,500 athletes are expected to compete in the first event of its kind held in the Mena region. The Games have the capacity to teach tolerance using the power of sport.

Trainers from Britain will spend 10 days in the UAE working with coaches, teachers and pupils to spread the message that sport should be as inclusive as possible.

Gavin Anderson, director of the British Council in the UAE, believes the programme will challenge preconceived notions of disabilities.

“Sport in schools can become about the best and most athletic children getting the most out of activities,” Mr Anderson said. “Our programme will encourage the belief that participation in sport is for everybody, particularly for people with intellectual disabilities.

“It will prepare leaders and teachers to support people with intellectual disabilities on an equal footing so they are included and don’t feel they are being treated in a patronising way.

“It provides examples of how you can encourage everyone to participate. It focuses on different sports that are designed to be a more collaborative experience rather than about who scored the most goals.”

The British trainers will include workers from the charity Youth Sports Trust International, which has worked in 60 countries to improve the lives of young people.

A record-breaking 192 countries are set to take part at the Games, with ministers hoping that the event will redefine the boundaries of what is possible for those living with disabilities.

Athletes will compete in a wide variety of sports including badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, football, cycling, judo, kayaking and swimming. There will also be events in weightlifting, sailing, table tennis and gymnastics.

About 3,000 coaching staff will be on hand to assist the athletes, while 20,000 volunteers will be on hand at an event expected to draw close to half a million spectators. Authorities also hope the Games will act as a catalyst for job creation.

Before the Games begin, all seven emirates will participate in a host town programme in which competitors will be offered cultural tours and other events to provide an insight into life in the UAE.

We want our country to be a friendly place for all people with special needs TALAL AL HASHEMI National Director of Special Olympics UAE