Ministry of Sports Hosts 2nd Edition of ‘Unified Family Sports Forum’ to Promote Inclusion and Empower People of Determination
The Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the UAE Sports for All Federation, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation, and the Ras Al Khaimah People of Determination Club, successfully hosted the second edition of the ‘Unified Family Sports Forum’ under the slogan "Healthy Family.. Healthy Community." Supported by Emirates News Agency (WAM) as the media sponsor, the forum emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing inclusion and promoting active lifestyles among people of determination and their families.
Held at the Ras Al Khaimah People of Determination Club's sports hall, the forum welcomed over 450 participants, including people of determination, their families, students from 20 public and private schools, and specialized centers. Volunteers and parents also actively engaged in a wide range of sports and recreational activities designed to foster social integration and community participation.
The forum featured a diverse lineup of activities tailored for determined people, including floorball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and air hockey. It also featured several fitness games, such as ball transfer, hurdle jumping, ball gymnastics, gym ball rolling, balance games, racket-based activities, chair games, and boxing-style workouts. These activities aimed to enhance physical, sensory, and cognitive engagement.
Dignitaries attending the event included H.E. Sumaya Abdullah Salem bin Harib Al Suwaidi, Member of the Federal National Council and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation; H.E. Naema Al Sharhan, Member of the Federal National Council; H.E. Rashid Al Mutawa, Advisor to the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence; Haitham Al Zarouni, Director of Community Sports at the Ministry of Sports; and Saeed Ali Al Ajil, Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation.
H.E. Sumaya Abdullah Salem bin Harib Al Suwaidi praised the initiative, stating:
"This forum is a testament to our shared commitment to building an inclusive society. I sincerely thank the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Sports for All Federation, and all those who contributed to creating a vibrant, positive environment for people of determination and their families."
She further emphasized that engaging people of determination in sports activities enhances physical well-being, boosts self-confidence, and strengthens social cohesion.
H.E. Saeed Ali Al Ajil highlighted the collective dedication of all partners, noting:
"Sport is a powerful tool for integration and empowerment, and we aim to ensure that every individual has equal access to these opportunities. Our goal is to build inclusive environments that support the growth and excellence of people of determination through strategic partnerships and dedicated initiatives."
The Unified Family Sports Forum forms part of the Ministry of Sports' broader initiatives for the "Community Year 2025," which aims to bolster national identity, promote sports for all, and increase community-wide participation. Through events like this, the Ministry seeks to position sports as a sustainable cultural practice, reinforcing its role in enhancing physical and mental health, strengthening family bonds, and cultivating a dynamic and inclusive sports community.
