The programme empowers children and adults with special needs to build confidence, skills, and lifelong connections.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s Ability Friendly Programme began in 2018 with just 21 swimmers and nine footballers, offering a safe, supportive environment where children and adults with special needs could build skills and confidence. Today, it welcomes over 300 participants each week across swimming, football, basketball, golf, equine therapy, playball, and multi-activity programmes.
Kathleen V. Bates, Head of the Ability Friendly Programme which falls under Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Pre-University Education – explains that the programme ensures accessibility and inclusion by focusing first and foremost on the abilities of each participant and what they can do.
“Our sports curriculum has been designed and developed over many years, with a strong emphasis on proper sport development rather than limitations,” she says. “All activities are adapted and modified based on individual needs, and adjustments are made continuously to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
“Our coaches play a critical role in this process, using their experience and creativity to adapt skills and movements so every participant can engage, progress, and succeed. And we intentionally work to engage individuals with more complex needs who may not have access to other available programmes.”
According to Bates, community participation is essential because inclusive sport cannot exist in isolation. A key focus for the Ability Friendly Programme is education, which engages practitioners, coaches, physical education teachers, and organisations across the country and region. By equipping them with knowledge and tools to be more inclusive, they can return to their clubs, schools, and community programmes better prepared to welcome and support individuals of all abilities.
Beyond athletic achievements, the programme aims to have a deeper impact on families. Through initiatives such as the Qader Award, the Ability Friendly Programme enables access for those who may not otherwise be able to afford to participate by providing financial support. Families become part of the community, sharing milestones, celebrating birthdays, and forming lifelong connections. In this way, the programme extends beyond sport, becoming a meaningful part of families’ lives.
The Ability Friendly Programme is growing.
New initiatives include a comprehensive coaching education programme with eight courses covering everything from disability awareness to advanced inclusive coaching strategies. And competitive pathways continue to expand, exemplified by events like the Al Dasha Football Cup, which hosted 168 footballers across 24 teams, and the Yalla Swimming Competition, which brought together more than 120 swimmers from 12 teams.
