Tribune News Network
Doha
THE Best Buddies Qatar (BBQ) held art and sports activities to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities.
Best Buddies Qatar members aged between 7 and 26 years took part in the painting workshop where they were guided by professional artists Hanadi al Darwish, Ahmed Nouh, Dana al Safar, Muna al Sada and Aida al Mulla.
The members came from Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing, Shafallah Center for Special Needs, Step by Step Center for Special Needs and Al Tamakon School for Comprehensive Education.
Mrs Darwish, an artist and the general coordinator of the painting workshop at the event, commented:"Art is very important because it helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to express themselves. We are glad to participate in the event and looking forward to cooperate with Best Buddies Qatar in future."
Ibrahim al Hawadi, father of 9-year-old Omar, a BBQ member from Shafallah Center said:"This is the first time my son is participating in a Best Buddies Qatar event and I am very happy to see him today communicating with other members and making new friendships."
While it was a joyful and creative day for Best Buddies Qatar members, their parents thanked Best Buddies Qatar for holding activities which can develop their imagination and creative skills and also help in their social integration.
The artworks painted by Best Buddies Qatar members were later displayed for public viewing in order to reiterate the fact that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are gifted with rich imagination and creative skills.
Mohammed al Sayeed, Best Buddies Qatar manager of Rehabilitation and Integration, presented awards to the artists.
Meanwhile, Best Buddies Qatar members aged between 13 and 19 years took part in the Sports Festival in Dahl Hamam Park. The festival included several games including basketball, bowling, parachute lifting, football, constructing cups pyramids, flying plate and body balancing acts.
The participants came from Al-Khor Sports Center, Ahmed Bin Secondary Scool, Musaab Bin Omair Secondary School, Tariq Bin Ziad Secondary School, Al-Shahaniya Middle School, Nasser Al-Attiya Secondary School, Jassim Bin Hamad Secondary School, Mohammed Bin Ahmed Secondary School, Siliya Secondary School and Shafallah Center for Special Needs.
Hani Anwar, a teacher at Ahmad Bin Hambal School, said:"I am very pleased to see all of my students participating in sports activities and I thank you for organiing this event. Most of the students from our school are the members of Best Buddies Qatar."