Kuwait’s Journey of Hope boat arrived at The Pearl-Qatar Marina in Porto Arabia on Saturday, marking the second of a 22-stop overseas tour designed to show the world Kuwait’s special programmes of caring for mentally-challenged kids.

Large crowds of Qataris, Kuwaitis and expatriate residents from The Pearl-Qatar, as well as senior official from United Development Company (UDC) - master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, joined more than 35 Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs members to welcome the boat to the Porto Arabia Marina.

The Journey of Hope is an expedition with a message dedicated to bringing awareness about a special segment in society that is mentally challenged and to attract the world’s attention to their needs and potential. The boat, which set sail from the Marina at Salmiya, Kuwait, will head to Washington, DC on a 210-day-long expedition that will include stops in 19 countries and 22 ports of call.

“This is a humanitarian journey that will highlight the skills of a group of intellectually challenged swimming champions from Special Olympics Kuwait,” said Jassim al-Bader, member of the board of trustees of Journey of Hope. After starting in Kuwait, the boat will cut across the Arabian Gulf before passing by both the Red and Mediterranean seas and down to the Atlantic Ocean to reach Washington, DC, where the Special Olympics headquarters is located.

The journey will see several events being held at intervals in all ports en route, with the aim of unifying people of all cultures and religions towards a collective effort to care for and benefit those with mental disability everywhere.

Saeed al-Sulaiti, director of Operations at The Pearl-Qatar, said: “UDC is keen to support community initiatives in various fields, especially those related to kids with special needs.” He added that UDC’s involvement in socially responsible initiatives and programmes is “part of the company’s overall strategic imperatives”.