A child taking swiming lessons as part of QF’s Ability Friendly Summer Camp
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s Ability Friendly Program awarded 20 outstanding children with the Qader Award for people with special needs and disabilities.
This program celebrates their exceptional abilities and provides them with a platform to develop and showcase their skills through sports, with a particular focus on football and swimming.
The parents of these extraordinary children – who witnessed their children receive the Qader Award and join the program – have shared their feelings of joy and pride, and shared their thoughts on the incredible impact that this opportunity will have on their children’s lives.
Mathisudarne Satheeskumar
Satheeskumar Radhakrishnan, whose daughter – a recipient of the Qader Award – and also with Down Syndrome, said: “This is the first time our daughter participated in Ability Friendly sports program, and through the Qader Award and my child’s participation in football, I anticipate an impact on her overall development and well-being.
“Playing football has positively impacted her – she has improved concentration and motor skills, and her confidence is soaring.”
Radhakrishnan says that programs like the Ability Friendly program holds immense significance in society, highlighting that it is one of the best programs he has ever come across. “It showcases Qatar’s outstanding commitment to the needs of this specific community.”
Randa Othman, whose son has Autism Spectrum Disorder, said: “I am grateful as my child is honored with the Qader Award in swimming, and I am thankful to Qatar Foundation for their dedication to support children like him.
“Receiving such an award holds immense importance for families with children with special needs alleviating the financial barriers that hinder their integration with typical peers. Now my son has the opportunity to fully embrace and actively participate in his surroundings which will bring about a positive change in his life and future.”
Children taking part in QF’s Ability Friendly Program
Wafaa Ahmed Mubarak, mother of one of the winners who has Cerebral Palsy, said: “This program provided the opportunity for this group to practice sports and integrate into society, as well as to support those who are unable to afford such sports.
Bushra Diaa
“My daughter practices swimming in this program where the water increases the flexibility of her muscles, and this helps moving her body smoothly and easily, and with flexibility,” Mubarak explained.
“Swimming also helps her relieve severe pain caused by spasms that affect the muscles of people with physical disabilities. Swimming relaxes her and gives her relief from the continuous pain that she constantly feels – all of which is reflected in her psychological state. Swimming brings her physical and mental happiness, and because of this, she is able to sleep well and eat well.”
Malika Sharif, a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, said: “Since my son won the award and joined the program, he has transformed into a positive individual who interacts well with others. Through his favorite sport, football, he was able to showcase his abilities and talent. Receiving this award brought indescribable happiness to our family.
“From the moment my son attended his first training session, I could sense a shift in his societal status. The happiness in his eyes was evident.” He eagerly awaited each training session, and eagerly counted down the days to meet his friends.
“I highly recommend that everyone with a child who has special needs joins the Ability Friendly Program. It serves as a bridge to fulfill our children’s aspirations and fostering their sense of belonging within society.”
The Qader Award is helping to break down barriers, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to sport through the Ability Friendly Program.
The Ability Friendly Programme continues to grow stronger by changing people’s lives through sports. It is directly contributing to the sporting and social legacy reflected through Qatar Foundation’s commitment that sport is for everyone.
The Ability Friendly Program supports people of all abilities to engage in sporting and developmental activities. And over the years, the program – through football, swimming– has provided life-changing experiences and opportunities to many children and adults – as well as their families.
To find out more about the Ability Friendly programme at Qatar Foundation, send an email to abilityfriendly@qf.org.qa.
