Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, attended the 2016 Second Disabled Sports Festival at Zayed Sports City on Tuesday evening.

HH Sheikh Saif reviewed an exhibition of creative work made by a group of disabled people which was held on the sidelines of the festival. He expressed his admiration for the displayed items and creative handicrafts. He voiced his appreciation to those who have contributed to the success of these humanitarian activities, which are specialized in highlighting and acquainting the public with these precious individuals and helping them to integrate into society, in order to contribute to the journey of construction and giving.

Moreover, HH Sheikh Saif talked with a number of disabled people and their families attending the festival, which reflects his humanitarian gestures and support of these people. He also had the opportunity to take commemorative photos with a number of disabled individuals.

More than 50 specialized centers for disabled people nationwide and schools affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) took part in the festival, which is organized by the Directorate General of Strategy and Performance Development at the Ministry of Interior (MoI). Many refresher activities and entertaining competitions took place, including 40 competitions in various sports activities, organized by age and type of physical disabilities.

The festival was attended by a number of sheikhs; Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Inspector General of the MoI; Major General Maktoum Al Shareefi, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Police; Mohamed Fadel Al Hameli, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs; a large number of officers, heads of departments, chiefs of sections and branch managers, officials from government agencies and diplomatic missions, and a large public turnout from various institutions across the UAE.

Colonel Mohammed Hamid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Strategy and Performance Development Director General, emphasized that providing care and assistance for people with disabilities at various levels is a national and humanitarian duty. He said, “The police leadership has dedicated great attention to disabled people. Sports activities contribute to building their self-confidence and improving their inclusion into society alongside their non-disabled peers.”

Furthermore, he praised the efforts made by various police departments which have contributed to the success of the 2016 Second Disabled Sports Festival, as well as the efforts of the specialized institutions and centers for people with disabilities. He explained that the second edition of this festival has witnessed an increase in the number and type of sports competitions, according to the different ages and types of disabilities. He added that the festival aims to recognize the disabilities in order to develop them through sports activities.  

The opening ceremony began with the UAE National Anthem, followed by a recitation of the Holy Quran by one of the disabled students. Later on, the audience watched a documentary highlighting the first edition of the festival, while the “Fursan Almqabeel” military band presented the “Yola” folk dance.

At the end of the festival, the first place winners, the winners of the sports competitions, and a number of sponsors and partners were honored.
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