MUSCAT: The fifth Annual Festival for Persons with Disabilities 2024, themed Determination and Challenge, was inaugurated under the organisation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the General-Directorate of Sports Activities. The festival was held under the auspices of HH Sayyidah Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation at SQU.
Events are being hosted at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in the Wilayat of Bausher and will continue until December 4. The festival aims to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society, highlight their capabilities and talents, and provide educational, training, and sports platforms that contribute to developing their skills and improving their quality of life.
The opening ceremony featured two visual presentations. The first reviewed the festival's history and key milestones, while the second, titled Beyond Borders, showcased the potential and capabilities of persons with disabilities. HH Sayyidah Dr Mona toured the festival village, exploring its facilities, accompanying events, and the health exhibition that highlights activities by participating organisations and key services for persons with disabilities.
Hamood al Jabri, Assistant Director-General of the Directorate-General for Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, emphasised that the annual festival aims to showcase the creativity and achievements of this community in collaboration with governmental and private sector partners. He added that the festival provides a unified venue for services offered to persons with disabilities, making it easier for beneficiaries and their families to access them.
Al Jabri noted that this edition stands out for hosting all events at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, incorporating Gulf-wide participation and new training programmes, including workshops to prepare participants for international competitions. He praised the festival's role in promoting societal integration and empowering persons with disabilities to achieve greater aspirations.
The festival includes 11 major sports events, such as badminton, running, wheelchair basketball, goalball for the visually impaired, boccia, deaf football and traditional games. Additionally, there are eight diverse cultural programmes, including art exhibitions for persons with disabilities featuring photography and fine arts, workshops on accessory design, chair painting, virtual reality experiences and Arabic calligraphy training. Four sports training workshops are also being offered, covering topics such as team preparation for competitions using the GMS system, refereeing across various games, and courses to enhance athletic performance. Participants will also tour key landmarks in Oman, such as the Royal Opera House, the National Museum and the State Council.
The annual festival strives to deliver high-quality sports and cultural services with outstanding organisation, focusing on enhancing the athletic and creative abilities of persons with disabilities. It seeks to achieve genuine integration with all sectors of society and foster a culture of participation and inclusion. Furthermore, the festival prepares sports teams for local and international competitions while establishing partnerships across sectors to ensure sustainable support for this important community.
The festival has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, with participant numbers increasing from 1,300 in 2008 to 1,480 in 2010, 1,625 in 2016, and 2,103 in 2023. This year's edition is expected to draw 2,600 participants, including delegations from Saudi Arabia, reflecting its continuous growth and success in attracting wide-ranging participation.
Pics by: Abdulwahid al Hamadani
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