MUSCAT: Special Olympics Oman hosted its annual gathering in honour of its athletes, families, volunteers and supporters to celebrate the successes of 2017. The event commemorated the various milestones achieved over the course of the year in fostering an inclusive society for people with intellectual abilities.
Taking centre stage last year was Oman’s participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Austria, which saw the team returning victorious with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The year also saw Special Olympics Oman sign over 16 Memorandums of Understanding with private and public sector entities to help realise the association’s mandate to educate and communicate the value of people with intellectual disabilities and encourage them to have roles in their communities through social and health programmes. Partners included, Bank Sohar, Bank Nizwa, Alizz Islamic Bank, Fahad Express Travel and Tourism LLC, Al Anwar Holding SAOG, National Life and General Insurance Company SAOG, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Whispers of Serenity Clinic, Al Raffah Hospital (Sohar), AlQabas Dental Center, Horizon Fitness, Muscat College, The Sultan’s School, British School Muscat, Azzan Bin Qais International School and the General Directorate of Sports Affairs at North Al Batinah.
“Today is about our athletes and their families, our volunteers and our supporters,” said HH Sayyid Faisal bin Turki al Said, Chairman of Special Olympics. “We celebrated many achievements together and provided many great opportunities to showcase the potential, abilities and talents of people with intellectual disabilities and how they can contribute not only to the development of society but also make an impact in our lives.”
Special Olympics Oman works with the objective to build the behavioural, physical, and professional skillsets of its members by integrating them into society. The association’s longstanding commitment to raise awareness on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities extends to supporting and encouraging their participation in social, cultural, sports, health, professional and recreational activities, in collaboration with government and non-government entities. In addition, Special Olympics Oman works with the families of people with intellectual disabilities, involving them in programmes, initiatives and events that are designed for the benefit of their children while promoting a culture of volunteerism.
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