MUSCAT: The accompanying activities for the fifth Annual Festival for Persons with Disabilities, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth under the theme 'Determination and Challenge', have commenced with wide participation from various governorates. The festival aims to highlight the abilities of persons with disabilities and promote their integration into society through sports and cultural activities.
Ziyana al Yahyaei, Director of the Specialised Activities Department at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, explained that the festival’s activities began with a specialised training workshop on sports classification for 'boccia'. She emphasised that the ministry's goals include qualifying personnel working with persons with disabilities to ensure the quality of programmes and services provided to this group.
She added: "The workshops accompanying the festival will continue in the coming days, covering various sports and cultural needs."
Regarding the festival preparations, Al Yahyaei stated: "Preparations are well underway, with event venues and sports fields being set up, along with arrangements to welcome participants from all governorates."
She confirmed that delegations will start arriving on December 1, while sports competitions will begin on December 2, featuring diverse participation across all types of disabilities. The programme is designed to address their sports, cultural and recreational needs.
Al Yahyaei noted that this festival aligns with Oman’s sports strategy and Vision 2040, aiming to develop sports and cultural activities for persons with disabilities while preparing specialised sports personnel.
She added: "The festival provides an opportunity to identify the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and to work on innovative solutions, as well as to train personnel to ensure the sustainability of programmes across Oman."
A Unique Sporting and Cultural Gathering
Adnan al Owaidi, a member of the festival's main organising committee, described the event as a unique sporting and cultural gathering that combines both quantity and quality in terms of participants and the types of programmes offered.
He stated: "The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth always seeks to empower persons with disabilities, as they are an integral part of the social fabric."
He highlighted that the festival offers a platform for a variety of activities that showcase the capabilities of this group, providing opportunities for interaction and competition in an inclusive and encouraging environment.
In the same context, Sadiq al Jassim, a boccia classifier from Iraq and the workshop instructor, said: "The course includes theoretical and practical lectures aimed at preparing Omani sports classifiers for boccia."
He expressed hope that participants would gain sufficient knowledge to become classifiers at national, local and regional levels.
Similarly, Hani al Shammakhi, one of the workshop participants, emphasised that such courses are a significant addition for Omani personnel, contributing to building a strong foundation for sports classifiers in Oman. He underscored the importance of training workshops before championships, stating: "The workshop will help us fully prepare to welcome players and categorise them into appropriate classifications, ensuring the competitions run professionally and efficiently."
Pics by Khalil Al Rawahi
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
