Muscat: Bank Muscat, the leading financial service provider in Oman, organised “Himam Marathon by Bank Muscat” dedicated to celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities. The event took place at the Bank’s Head Office in the presence of Shaikh Waleed bin Khamis al Hashar, Chief Executive Officer of Bank Muscat, and a number of executive management members and representatives from the Special Olympics Oman. The Marathon witnessed a wide participation of more than 250 persons with physical, mental, hearing disabilities, besides people with Autism and Down Syndrome, along with their families.
Such initiatives significantly contribute to integrating the handicapped in society, providing them the platform to showcase their sports abilities to help them achieve their ambitions.
The Marathon featured races tailored for people with Autism, Down syndrome, physical, hearing and visual impairment, challenging them to complete an 800-meter race track. The competition demonstrated participants' sports spirit and determination. The top three males and the top three females in each race, totalling 24, won worthy prizes. Shaikh Waleed bin Khamis al Hashar, Chief Executive Officer of Bank Muscat, handed over the prizes to the winners.
To make the event more exciting, Bank Muscat organised a dedicated area for entertainment including children play area, games and other activities.
On the occasion, Hamza bin Abbas al Ajmi, Deputy General Manager – Credit, Bank Muscat, said: “We are delighted today with the launch of 'Himam Marathon' aiming to support this important segment of society. We are also much delighted to see this exciting competition between contestants, reflecting their strong determination in overcoming obstacles. It is really a matter of great significance to look after persons with disabilities, honing their skills and developing their abilities”.
Al Ajmi stressed on the importance of enabling the disabled and integrating them in society in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to ensure an equal decent life for all. “Bank Muscat has always been keen to support persons with disabilities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives crafted to all segments of society. I would like to extend my deepest congratulations to everyone for making this initiative a success.
Participants of the Himam Marathon expressed their enthusiasm and thrill at being a part of this exciting event. Nabeel bin Khamis al Kindi, said: “This is absolutely marvelous. It confirms the Bank’s keenness in supporting the Disabled. I call upon other institutions to follow Bank Muscat's suit in organising events like this and enable this category.” Rahma bint Marhoon al Hasaniyah, was also delighted with her participation. She stated: “It is important to organise sports events for us and we thank Bank Muscat for considering this Marathon which we are all happy with”. Also, Maher bin Adbulrassol al Balushi, said: “Such gestures are of a high importance to us and they help us explore our potentials and identify our strengths.” Bank Muscat seeks to launch initiatives that serve various segments of society, especially those with disabilities, and also to cooperate with various relevant institutions and associations. The Bank continues to implement sustainable initiatives in order to enhance its leadership position in the field of Social Responsibility and Community Service. This comes out of Bank Muscat's keenness to partner with various government and private institutions, civil and charitable associations in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman to implement these sustainable programmes that serve the community.
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