Ministry of Sports organises 2nd edition of ‘Unified Family Sports Forum’ to promote inclusion and empower people of determination through sports

• The forum reinforces the Ministry of Sport’s steadfast dedication to embedding sports as a lifestyle and enhancing inclusive community engagement
• Over 450 participants, including people of determination, their families, and students from schools and specialised centres, took part in a wide array of sports and recreational activities.
• The forum was organised in partnership with the UAE Sports for All Federation, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation, and the Ras Al Khaimah People of Determination Club, with media sponsorship by Emirates News Agency (WAM).
• Activities included floorball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, air hockey, and a range of fitness games tailored for people of determination.

United Arab Emirates, Friday, 25 April 2025

The Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the UAE Sports for All Federation, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation, and the Ras Al Khaimah People of Determination Club, hosted the second edition of the ‘Unified Family Sports Forum’ under the slogan ‘Healthy Family.. Healthy Community’. The event, held at the sports hall of the Ras Al Khaimah People of Determination Club, was supported by media sponsor Emirates News Agency (WAM). The forum comes as part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to advance social integration and enhance the role of sports in supporting people of determination and their families.

The forum was attended by H.E. Sumaya Abdullah Salem bin Harib Al Suwaidi, Member of the Federal National Council, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation, and Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah People of Determination Club; H.E. Naema Al Sharhan, Member of the Federal National Council; H.E. Rashid Al Mutawa, Advisor to the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence; Haitham Al Zarouni, Director of Community Sports at the Ministry of Sports; and Saeed Ali Al Ajil, Vice President of the UAE sports for All Federation. The event witnessed wide participation from over 450 people of determination and their families, representing 20 public and private schools and specialised centres. In addition, several volunteers and parents engaged with the diverse activities of the forum.

H.E. Sumaya Abdullah Salem bin Harib Al Suwaidi highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering inclusion and empowerment and praised the collaborative efforts of all supporting entities. She stated: “This forum is a testament to our shared commitment to building an inclusive society. I sincerely thank the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Sports for All Federation, and all those who contributed to creating a vibrant, positive environment for people of determination and their families.”

She added: “The Unified Family Sports Forum reflects the spirit of community solidarity and our leadership’s vision of sports being a right for all. Engaging people of determination and their families in various sporting activities not only enhances the physical well-being of participants but also encourages social interaction and strengthens self-confidence.”

H.E. Saeed Al Ajil, said: “This forum represents a collective dedication of Ministry of Sport, the UAE Sports for All Federation, and partners to community sports and highlighting the essential role of families in encouraging children, particularly people of determination, to embrace an active lifestyle. Sport is a powerful tool for integration and empowerment, and we aim to ensure that every individual has equal access to these opportunities in a safe, supportive environment. We believe that these events contribute to enhancing the quality of life and building a healthy and sustainable community, in line with the directives of our wise leadership aimed at promoting collective participation in sports.”

He added: “Together with the Ministry of Sports, we are committed to safeguarding the rights of people of determination to participate in physical and sports activities across schools, clubs, and professional clubs. Our goal is to build inclusive environments that support their growth and excellence through the concerted efforts of our strategic partners. We are grateful for the Ministry of Sports’ unwavering support in shaping national teams representing the country at sporting events as well as implementing policies and initiatives that support the active participation of people of determination in the comprehensive development of sports.”

The forum featured a lineup of sports tailored for people of determination, including floorball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and air hockey. Fitness activities included ball transfer, hurdle jumping, ball gymnastics, gym ball rolling, balance games, racket-based activities, chair games, and boxing-style workouts – all designed to enhance physical, sensory, and cognitive engagement.

This second edition of the ‘Unified Sports Family Forum’ is part of a series of events organised by the Ministry of Sport as part of the ‘Community Year 2025’ initiatives, which aims to bolster national identity, promote sports for all, and increase participation across all segments of society, with a strong focus on people of determination.

Through such events, the Ministry seeks to embed sports as a sustainable cultural practice, reinforcing its role in enhancing physical and mental well-being, strengthening family cohesion, and cultivating a dynamic and achievement-driven sports community on both national and global stages.