Inclusive sports festival promotes equal opportunities in Al Batinah South

Students with disabilities took centre stage at a school sports festival held at Al Rustaq Sports Complex, bringing together sporting competitions, recreational activities and opportunities to showcase emerging talent in an inclusive environment.
Organised by the Oman School Sports Association (OSSA), in cooperation with the School Sports Committee of the Directorate General of Education in Al Batinah South Governorate, the festival brought together students from inclusive education classes for children with intellectual and hearing disabilities, alongside participants from Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.
The event was held under the auspices of Maimoona bint Salem al Mundhiri, Director General of Social Development in Al Batinah South, in the presence of Talal bin Nasser al Adawi, Director General of Education in Al Batinah South, and several education officials and supervisors.
The festival featured a varied programme combining athletics, table tennis, mini-games and recreational activities designed to accommodate participants with different abilities and encourage active involvement.

Students were divided into six groups according to age, gender and disability category, including participants aged below and above ten. Activities were conducted through four rotating stations, allowing each group to experience different sporting challenges in a safe and supportive setting.
Al Adawi highlighted the importance of the initiative in expanding access to school sports and strengthening the principles of inclusion and equal opportunities.
He said the festival reflected OSSA’s commitment to creating an encouraging environment where students with disabilities could develop their sporting abilities, gain confidence and interact with their peers.
He stressed that school sports play an important role beyond physical development, helping students build independence, improve social skills and embrace teamwork, discipline and mutual respect.
Al Adawi also emphasised the importance of cooperation between OSSA, education directorates, schools and relevant institutions in providing sustainable sporting opportunities for students with disabilities.
Beyond the sporting competitions, the festival offered several entertainment and creative activities, including plaster painting, face painting, henna decoration and a popcorn corner. These attractions added a lively atmosphere and encouraged interaction among students, teachers and accompanying families.
Dr Issam bin Nasser al Siyabi, School Activities Supervisor at the Directorate General of Education in Al Batinah South, said the festival demonstrated the growing emphasis on making school sports accessible to students of different abilities.
He noted that such initiatives help identify promising sporting talent while encouraging schools to introduce more inclusive physical education activities.
Al Siyabi added that sporting events for students with disabilities contribute to raising community awareness, improving quality of life and strengthening confidence and social participation.
The festival also highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities for every student to participate, develop their abilities and experience the enjoyment of sport.