The new initiative, which incorporates persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, underlines the collaboration of global efforts to socially integrate PWDs, a senior official of Qatar Foundation for Social Work has said.
The new partnership was launched by Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Qatar Museums (QM) and Best Buddies Qatar yesterday at an event at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium.
Best Buddies global ambassador and five-time American football super bowl champion Tom Brady joined SC, QM and Best Buddies Qatar participants at the launch, which was graced by QM Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
“This affirms the focus on the matters of PWDs from different parts of the world,” Qatar Foundation for Social Work CEO Amal bint Abdullatif al-Mannai said in a statement.
The CEO thanked Brady for his visit to Qatar and participation in what she described as an important event, which will benefit persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Qatar Foundation for Social Work seeks to establish co-operation with leading sports and cultural institutions to support the achievement of the goals of the social development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.
“We at the Qatar Foundation for Social Work pay efforts to take the lead in initiatives and partnerships that will achieve the goals of social inclusion and empowerment of PWDs in the country,” she added.
QM CEO Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud also thanked Brady and Best Buddies for their work in Qatar and “for such an important initiative.”
“QM is proud to promote and sustain Qatar’s cultural sector and we believe everyone, no matter what their background is, should be able to take part in and enjoy Qatar’s art, creativity and heritage,” he said.
“By pledging to support PWDs, we hope that QM, alongside the SC, can set the right example when it comes to inclusivity and opportunity in Qatar,” al-Mahmoud added.
Best Buddies Qatar executive director Laalei Abu Alfain said the event yesterday was a great opportunity to increase awareness on the capacities of persons with IDDs and the need for them to be essential members of any community.
She noted that such important co-operation between Best Buddies Qatar, SC and QM at the event, organised under SC’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme dubbed as ‘Generation Amazing’ “reassures and further our efforts, along with domestic and international institutions.”
“Our ultimate aim is the social integration and empowerment of PWDs and we are grateful for this initiative and Brady’s visit, which have helped shed light on the programmes and objectives of Best Buddies Qatar programmes and objectives,” Alfain said.
She thanked Sheikha Al Mayassa, SC officials, Best Buddies International founder, chairman and CEO Anthony K Shriver, and Brady for their invaluable support in making the event happen and initiating essential positive influence on PWDs in Qatar. “We are proud to be a part of the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar.”
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