Aldar Collaborates with Heroes of Hope to Enhance Accessibility of Sports Events in Abu Dhabi

Games of Hope to Ignite Inclusivity in Sports for Abu Dhabi

Aldar Properties, one of the leading forces in real estate development and management in the UAE, has announced an exciting partnership with Heroes of Hope UAE, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals of determination through sports. This collaboration is set to debut the Games of Hope in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, October 13, 2024, with an aim to foster inclusion and personal growth within the community.

Embracing the Spirit of Unity

The Games of Hope isn’t just another sporting event; it’s a celebration of resilience and unity among individuals with varying abilities. This inaugural event in Abu Dhabi will host around 100 athletes, offering them a platform to demonstrate their talents while promoting a spirit of camaraderie. Heroes of Hope has built a community of over 800 athletes and their families, and this event aims to expand that community even further.

As an initiative affiliated with the Special Olympics and the Ma’an Social Incubator programme, Heroes of Hope is fully dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for all. The arrival of Games of Hope in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive sporting environment where everyone, irrespective of their abilities, can take part and compete.

A Meaningful Collaboration

This partnership is more than a one-off event—it aligns with Aldar’s ongoing commitment to bring societal value to the communities it serves. In preparation for this large-scale event, a pilot program was successfully carried out earlier this year in Mamsha Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. This foundation demonstrates Aldar’s commitment to making sporting events accessible for individuals of determination.

Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach at Aldar, highlighted the importance of such initiatives. “At Aldar, we create accessible spaces where everyone feels empowered, valued, and included,” she said. “Important events such as Games of Hope help break down barriers and encourage a sense of achievement and unity. They advance the inclusivity of sports.”

Raising Awareness and Improving Accessibility

The Games of Hope is also part of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, a series of events devoted to early childhood development organized by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA). This expansive approach ensures that the event is not only accessible to athletes aged 2 and above but also reaches out to families, making it a community celebration.

Hollie Murphy, CEO and Founder of Heroes of Hope, echoed Al Maflahi’s sentiments. “The Games of Hope is about showing the world that through sport, we can build a truly inclusive community,” she stated. “It is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of resilience, determination, and unity.”

Broader Community Impact

The impact of this partnership goes well beyond just the Games of Hope. Aldar has committed to fostering belonging and community inclusivity through collaborations with various organizations, including the Zayed Higher Organisation (ZHO) and the Butterfly Foundation. These partnerships are instrumental in shaping a society where People of Determination and the elderly have access to necessary resources and opportunities.

Earlier this year, Aldar also joined forces with the Department of Community Development (DCD) – Abu Dhabi. The aim is to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for people of determination and the elderly in various areas across Abu Dhabi. The Yas Island will serve as the pilot area for this project, which will begin in 2024 and is scheduled for implementation in 2025.

Looking Ahead

As the Games of Hope approaches, excitement continues to build within the community. This exemplary event encourages not just participation, but also awareness around the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. And crucially, it sends a clear message: inclusivity in sports can lead to wider societal change.

Mark your calendar for October 13, 2024, as the event will take place at Yas Mall from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Participants and spectators are encouraged to engage in this meaningful event and celebrate the spirit of determination and inclusion.

For those interested in registering as an athlete, registration is open online here, providing an easy way for individuals to partake in this landmark event.

This October, let’s come together to show that with unity and determination, we can accomplish incredible things in our community!

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#UAE #CommunityNews #SportsNews #EconomyNews #InclusivityNews