People of determination (POD) face challenges integrating into their communities, often due to barriers like inaccessible infrastructure, communication gaps, social stigma and limited opportunities.
Community engagement and social interaction for POD are not just leisurely pursuits but play an essential role in their overall wellbeing and development.
Sports and fitness, peer support groups and recreational activities help reduce isolation, boost confidence and reinforce their value as integral members of society.
Research highlights that participation in sports and recreational activities significantly improves mental health for people with disabilities.
Regular physical activity reduces anxiety and depression, enhances self-esteem and promotes overall psychological wellbeing.
In the UAE, initiatives like Heroes of Hope and Best Buddies UAE (a new chapter of the international Best Buddies) provide opportunities for meaningful connections and community engagement.
At Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit, these organisations highlighted the importance of teaching social skills early during the focus session Social Lives of People of Determination, Their Caregivers and Support System.
They presented programmes that build teamwork, friendships and personal growth, showcasing how these initiatives are enriching lives and strengthening communities.
Founded by Hollie Murphy, Heroes of Hope is the UAE’s largest non-profit sports academy for people of determination.
It develops the sports, interpersonal and social skills of participants through more than 18 sports, including cycling, tennis, triathlon, CrossFit and gymnastics.
The academy has built a community of more than 800 athletes and their families.
In 2022, HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, inaugurated the Heroes of Hope gym as part of Abu Dhabi’s Strategy for People of Determination.
The academy is also an affiliated partner of the Special Olympics and a member of the social incubator programme at Ma’an, the Authority of Social Inclusion.
“This is not about finding the best athletes but (about) bringing out the best in every individual,” says Ms Murphy.
Athletes have competed in events like Grit Games, Hyrox, Spartan Races and WODon3.
Heroes of Hope also builds a strong sense of community. Participants, ranging from three years old to their forties, engage in activities that develop friendships, personal growth and inclusion.
The academy runs a Junior Coach Training Programme, which allows high school and university students to mentor POD, creating a buddy system.
Ms Holly shares an example of this camaraderie, saying: “A volunteer even accompanied an athlete to (school) prom. This is the power of inclusion and authentic friendships.”
Ms Murphy says the organisation’s success lies in its consistency. “Our dedicated senior volunteers – including parents – coach every week, helping athletes develop courage, confidence and leadership skills.”
In addition to weekly events, Heroes of Hope hosts events such as the Games of Hope. In these games, run in partnership with Aldar, children of all abilities compete together.
It also engages in challenges like Battle Cancer UAE and organises international trips for athletes, pushing them to become more self-reliant.
“These experiences transform families as much as the athletes,” says Ms Murphy.
“Parents need community and support too. Even our recent international adventure created moments of growth and gratitude for everyone.”
She adds, “Parents felt more confident letting their children be independent. And during the trip, our athletes developed qualities of bravery, loyalty and leadership.”
Best Buddies International (which is launching its UAE chapter soon) is a global organisation that helps build one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With a presence in 48 countries, the UAE becomes the 49th, supporting the country’s inclusion and integration efforts for people of determination.
The organisation focuses on enriching POD’s social lives and supporting their caregivers and families.
At the core of its efforts is its programme to create genuine, lasting friendships, starting in middle and high schools, when people of determination are paired with peers.
This not only gives POD a chance to make friends but also builds awareness and empathy in the wider community.
Peter Wheeler, the executive advisor at Best Buddies UAE, describes the impact of these friendships, explaining: “We’ve seen shy individuals become self-confident speakers and leaders. It all begins with a genuine friendship.”
The leadership development programme takes this further by teaching young POD public speaking and advocacy skills, to help them find their voice.
Family support is another key focus, allowing parents to connect and share their challenges and successes.
This network provides invaluable support for families navigating the complexities of raising children with disabilities.
“We’re looking forward to working with schools and institutions to bring the Best Buddies benefits to the wider educational system in the UAE,” says Mr Wheeler.
“We’ve already seen its impact across the world, having touched 1.5 million people across more than 3,500 schools and colleges and creating true friendships and opportunities for POD.
“The UAE edition will create even more connections, growth and leadership opportunities.”
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