Dubai, UAE- As part of the Community Development Authority’s (CDA) efforts to translate the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 into initiatives and programmes that enhance the quality of life of individuals and families and expand opportunities for inclusion and community participation for People of Determination, the Dubai Child Development Centre organised an inclusive sports event in collaboration with Pinpoint Fitness at Dubai Festival City Mall, bringing together a group of children of determination and their families.
The event aimed to provide a sports experience tailored to the children’s abilities and needs, supporting their sensory and motor development, enhancing their skills, and building their self-confidence and independence. The initiative reflects the CDA’s commitment to empowering individuals to live with dignity and independence, while moving beyond support provision towards creating greater opportunities for full and active participation in society.
The children and their families took part in a range of physical activities, including obstacle-course exercises, under the supervision of specialised coaches and in collaboration with the Centre’s therapists. Activities were designed around each child’s individual needs, with one-to-one training provided initially to help them develop fundamental skills and build confidence before progressing to group training. This approach enabled the children to learn, interact and participate alongside their peers.
From Support to Empowerment
Maitha Al Shamsi
Maitha Al Shamsi, CEO of the Community Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, highlighted that empowering People of Determination is a key pillar of the Authority’s approach to building a social ecosystem that places individual capabilities, quality of life and active participation at the heart of community development.
Al Shamsi said: “At the CDA, we are moving from providing support to empowering People of Determination to participate fully and actively in society. We do this by creating opportunities and experiences that respond to the needs of each beneficiary, contribute to developing their capabilities and strengthen their independence. Initiatives such as this represent a practical translation of the Authority’s commitment to empowering individuals to live with dignity and independence, while expanding opportunities for children to learn, interact and build confidence alongside their peers.”
Al Shamsi added: “We believe that inclusion is a shared responsibility, and that partnerships with different organisations help expand the opportunities available to People of Determination and their families. This supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and reinforces Dubai’s position as an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to develop their capabilities, participate and contribute.”
Experiences Designed Around Each Child’s Needs
Dr Shaikha Al Mansoori, Acting Director of the People of Determination Department at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, emphasised that creating opportunities for People of Determination to discover their capabilities and develop their skills is an essential part of the CDA’s efforts to support their independence and quality of life. She also highlighted the importance of creating community environments where they can participate and develop alongside their peers.
Al Mansoori added: “Sports provide an important space for children to learn, build confidence and interact with others. We therefore ensure that the experiences we offer take into account each child’s needs and abilities, giving them the opportunity to progress at their own pace and according to their individual potential. Family participation in such activities is also an important element in supporting and encouraging children, while fostering a culture of inclusion and participation across the community.”
The event reflects the CDA’s approach to translating the concepts of inclusion and empowerment into practical experiences that have a direct impact on the lives of People of Determination and their families. It contributes to developing their capabilities, strengthening their independence and expanding their participation in society, in line with the Authority’s strategic objective of empowering individuals to live with dignity and independence. It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 in building a more effective and proactive social ecosystem for protection, care and empowerment, while advancing quality of life in Dubai.
SOURCE: MEDIA RELEASE / SUPPLIED CONTENT WITH IMAGES
