British Council to promote Special Olympics
abu dhabi — Special Olympics UAE, the local programme of Special Olympics serving athletes and the community in the UAE, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the British Council pledging to work together to promote social inclusion as an integral part of UK and UAE values.
The UK’s Ambassador to the UAE, Patrick Moody, attended the signing ceremony and said: “The United Kingdom is proud to be a strong supporter of the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in the UAE. As well as cheering on and supporting Team GB, we have set ourselves a target of 2019 volunteers from across the British Community in the UAE, who will all play a crucial part in making sure the games are a success. I have already volunteered, and I’m giving my Embassy staff working time to volunteer as well.”
Commenting on the partnership Talal Al Hashemi the Special Olympics UAE national director said: “The Unified Champion School Programme is one of the most important programmes offered by the Special Olympics to ensure a smooth inclusion and tolerance progression in schools through the implementation of a series of programmes and activities by coaches and teachers in schools.
“Through our substantial partnership with the British Council, the programme will heavily be focused on training coaches and teachers to raise their qualifications in implementing unified school programmes.”
Gavin Anderson, Director British Council in the UAE said: “This agreement supports the wider ambitions to create a more tolerant and inclusive society here in the UAE through the power of sport. Over the next two years, we will support Special Olympics UAE.”