Applications for the fifth edition of the Qader Award are now open and will run until April 5. In 2018, Qatar Foundation (QF) launched the Qader Award, which provides free access to sports programmes for people with disabilities through its Ability Friendly Programme.
Mark Hughes, director of Awsaj Academy, said: “At QF, we believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities or financial capabilities, should have the opportunity to participate in physical activity. The Qader Award is helping to break down barriers, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to sport through our Ability Friendly Programme.
"We have seen the positive impact that the Qader Award has had on people's lives. Sport is transformative tool, not only does it have great physical benefits, but it can also be used to help acquire important life skills, including the ability to adapt to new circumstances and make independent decisions.”
Over the past four years, the Qader Award has supported many individuals and families in Qatar. In the previous cycles, 126 people benefited from the award, and we are looking forward to that number increasing this year."
The Ability Friendly Programme is an initiative that supports people of all abilities to engage in sporting and developmental activities. And over the years, the programme – through football, swimming– has provided life-changing experiences and opportunities to many children and adults – as well as their families. The winners of the Qader Award will be able to enrol in either of these sports for a full academic year at no cost.
Applicants are eligible to apply for the Qader Award for the 2023-24 academic year if they or a family member have a special need or disability, are living in Qatar, and are aged four years or older for swimming and five years or older for football and have not been previously removed from the award.
All applications must be submitted online at www.educationcity.qa/en/qader-award and include all the necessary supporting documents. Incomplete applications, or those submitted via email, will not be considered.