Teachers and children take part in Play Unified programme

Sport360 staff 01:00 28/03/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Twelve teachers and 17 children took part in a training session at the Special Olympics Abu Dhabi headquarters, under the Special Olympics’ global Play Unified programme which aims to encourage greater inclusivity and diversity in sports.

    The training was organised by the British Council in partnership with the Higher Committee for the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

    Led by Youth Sports Trust International, an independent charity, teachers and students participated in the training sessions which included young people and adults of all abilities, and aim to use sport to foster greater understanding, acceptance and inclusivity for people with disabilities.

    The demonstration was held as part of the British Council’s Gulf-wide Culture and Sports programme, launched in October 2017, which aims to encourage all youths regardless of background to get involved in a variety of initiatives and grow their creativity and commitment.

    Seth Amoafo, community engagement manager at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: “The global Play Unified programme works on a simple premise: that playing and training together is a quick path to understanding, acceptance and friendship, breaking down the barriers that exist for people with disabilities.

    “The support that the British Council has provided to the programme through the special training session this week will help give teachers and young people in the UAE the skills and confidence to encourage greater inclusion in sport as they take what they have learned back into their own schools. The upcoming Special Olympic World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and trainings like these will have a lasting impact in the lives of millions of people in the region as we aim to foster a more inclusive and cohesive society.”

    Through training sessions and workshops taking place across the country, the programme will focus on giving young people of all abilities a chance to benefit from sport and culture and use the values they teach to contribute to a more cohesive society.

    Recommended