Al Sharqiyah South hosts inclusive sports festival

SPORTS REPORTER
MUSCAT, NOV 9
A total of 104 students with intellectual and hearing disabilities participated in a school sports festival organised by the Oman School Sports Association in cooperation with the School Sports Committee in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate at Sur Sports Complex.
The event was held under the auspices of Saif bin Hamad bin Khalfan al Abdali, Director General of Education in Al Sharqiyah South, and supported by 20 organisers. It aimed to expand students' participation in sports, showcase their abilities and talents, and promote social interaction through sporting and recreational activities.
The festival was attended by Dr Sultan bin Khamis al Yahyai, Director General of Scouts, Guides and Student Activities, Dr Thuraya bint Hamad al Rashdi, Director General of Special Education, and Sultan bin Qais al Abri, Director General of Social Development in Al Sharqiyah South.

The programme included athletics, small games, boccia and bowling, alongside recreational activities such as plaster colouring, face painting, henna art and popcorn.
Participants were divided into six groups according to age, gender and type of disability, covering students below and above 10 years from the intellectual and hearing disability categories. Activities were organised across four rotating stations, each lasting 30 minutes, allowing all groups to participate in a safe and supportive environment.
Salim al Najashi, Secretary of the School Sports Committee in Al Sharqiyah South, said the festival was an important initiative to widen sports participation among students with disabilities. He noted that school sport goes beyond competition and results, helping discover potential, build self-confidence and encourage initiative and interaction.

Hussein bin Saeed al Musharfi, a physical education teacher at Saud bin Azzan School, said the activities provided students with sporting experiences suited to their abilities and encouraged interaction with peers. He highlighted their role in developing motor skills, physical coordination, discipline and cooperation.
Yahya bin Khalid al Qalhati, a special education teacher at Imam al Salt bin Qasim al Kharousi School, said such events strengthen communication skills and independence while promoting students' integration into school and community life.
The festival reflects the association's commitment, alongside educational governorate committees, to providing inclusive sports programmes, promoting equal opportunities and supporting students of different abilities.