Mubadala, in partnership with the Local Organising Committee, LOC, of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, has launched a short film titled ‘DetermiNATION
ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 06th Mar, 2019) Mubadala, in partnership with the Local Organising Committee, LOC, of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, has launched a short film titled ‘DetermiNATION’. The powerful documentary celebrates People of Determination (people with disabilities) and the UAE’s Special Olympics athletes by exploring their challenges and achievements.
The short film focuses on the personal stories of people with intellectual disabilities, aiming to encourage volunteer work and community initiatives that have an impact during and after the Games. By presenting real life experiences, the documentary celebrates the successes and achievements of a group of inspiring individuals from across the Emirates.
"In just a few weeks the capital will play host to the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. This major global event demonstrates the UAE’s commitment towards creating an inclusive society for People of Determination," Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate and Human Capital Officer of Mubadala, said.
"We want to help evolve the understanding of People of Determination in the community and showcase the important contribution they make as an integral part of society," he added. "Our motivation comes from these athletes. Their perseverance, passion and dedication is remarkable and demonstrates to us all that nothing should get in the way of being active, contributing to the community and reaching for your dreams.
The stories included in the film all aim to explore personal perspectives on the issue of inclusion in Abu Dhabi. The documentary includes Hamda Al Hosani, an Emirati athlete and a Special Olympics gold winner since 2008; Saif Al Qubaisi, a fourteen-year old talented Emirati golfer at the Special Olympics World Games; Mohammed Hayder, a thirteen-year old resident diagnosed with autism; and Clari Lehmkuhl, a certified Zumba instructor.
"Today, the UAE is making significant progress in its inclusion of People of Determination. But it’s a long road ahead and we need to continually assess how we can contribute to an inclusive and open society. I hope people enjoy the perspective offered by this powerful documentary," he added.
Sharifa Yateem, the first Emirati to become a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst Specialised in Autism, acts as narrator throughout the film. She also conducted exclusive interviews with selected officials including Homaid Al Shimmari; Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Humanitarian Organisation; and Rahat Ghazanfar, Managing Director and Staff Physician in the Medical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will take place from 14th-21st March, with 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing more than 170 countries. The Games will see the biggest humanitarian sporting event in the world coming to the UAE, marking its first debut in the history of the MENA region.
