World Down Syndrome Day

The Olympics Sports team Abdul Rahim and Muhammad Saeed, Abu Dhabi, March 20, 2019: First person’s piece of the Special Olympic athlete, Chaica Al Qassimi, a Technical Officer, Judo, Special Olympics UAE team (World Down Syndrome Day).

My name is Chaica Al Qassimi. 22-years-old, a martial artist with a black belt in karate.

Live in Sharjah, and a sister, daughter and granddaughter.

And I have Down syndrome.

These words summarise me, but they do not define me.

They are part of my life but not barriers to my life, to my ability to achieve my dreams, conquer my fears or live my life to the fullest.

They are part of my life but not barriers to my life, to my ability to achieve my dreams, conquer my fears or live my life to the fullest.

Over the last two weeks, my home country has welcomed over 7,500 sons, daughters, mothers and fathers to take part in Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

Each of these athletes has shown great ability in their chosen sports.

Some excelled while others fell short, but every one of them has lived out their dreams of representing their friends, family and country on the world stage.

And each of them has an intellectual disability.

Since its inception 50 years ago, Special Olympics has proven time and time again that having a disability does not dictate what a person can achieve, nor does it limit their potential.

The fields, courts, swimming pools and mats where the various sports and disciplines of the World Games Abu Dhabi have played out over the last week witnessed this fact.

As an athlete and an Emirati, I thrill to have a part of the World Games Abu Dhabi.

The World Games Abu Dhabi has been an incredible opportunity for my homeland to showcase the huge strides that have been made in integrating people of determination like myself into the local community and into every aspect of UAE society.

People in the UAE are changing their attitudes and their perceptions.

People of determination have an important role to play in UAE society and now stand side by side with their fellow citizens and residents without intellectual disabilities.

The barriers that existed are breaking down by a wave of integration that is sweeping schools, universities, businesses and even homes across the country.

The UAE’s leaders have shown they are fully committed to creating a more unified and inclusive society that will have far-reaching and long-lasting benefits for everyone.

By leading by example and displaying an unwavering dedication to achieving the goal of integration, our leaders are inspiring an entire nation.

I am living proof of the benefits of integration and of not using a disability as an excuse to leave a person behind or to segregate them, both in education and everyday life.

As a graduate of the Sharjah English School and the International School of Arts & Science in Dubai, I studied alongside classmates who did not have an intellectual disability.

My education and my development as an individual has shaped by, and greatly benefited from, being around people of different nationalities, ages and, of course, abilities.

I like to think that my classmates benefited just as much from attending classes with me, too.

My mindset towards integration is not something that has been changed or developed over the years.

It is something I have always felt, experienced and enjoyed.

I have lived a fully integrated life.

My family have never treated me different because of my Down syndrome.

It never seen as a hindrance by them, or me.

They have been fully supportive of my choices.

My decision to practice martial arts always embrace and encouraged.

Through my choice of sport, I have been able to connect with so many other athletes and individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.

After gaining my black belt from the Shotokan Japanese Karate Centre, I joined the Special Olympics UAE team and competed in martial arts contests across the country and overseas.

For my home country to have hosted the World Games fills me with a huge sense of pride, and to asks to been part of the official Flame of Hope Torch Run like a dream come true.

I have had an incredible time refereeing at the Judo competitions at the World Games and taking on a brand-new challenge in my sporting life.

While I did not compete at the Games and wasn’t able to win any medals, I’m determined to show that people of determination have the skills and abilities to play a valuable role in every aspect of society.

Today, with the Closing Ceremony of the World Games, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 officially comes to a close.

But our story does not end here.

A second piece of the Special Olympics Oman’s athletes:
Ruiya Al Habsi, Roller-skating

“I always like sports because it makes me fit and healthy, which is important.

I participate in different sports namely swimming, bowling, ice and roller skating.

My favourite is Roller skating as it gave me a chance to participate in Special Olympics World Games 2019 held in Abu Dhabi.

Being a Silver Medal winner means a lot to me as it gave me a sense of achievement and it has boosted my confidence.

I look forward to work harder for a Gold Medal in the coming years.

I would like to thank Oman Special Olympics for giving me a chance to be a Winner.”
Marwan Al Saadi, Roller-skating

“My name is Marwan.

I’m happy I got the chance to talk about myself and the experiences I have had over the past few weeks.

I have always had a passion for Taekwondo, swimming and roller skating.

The games have given me the opportunity to shine at doing what I love and thankfully I received a gold medal for this.

I am also very happy to be here and thankful for my family and my teammates that got me to where I am today.”