Special Olympics UAE has partnered with Dubai-based Jam Sports Academy to launch its first 3×3 Basketball Tournament in line with efforts to train and prepare athletes for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
The competition which began at Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in Abu Dhabi will move to Khorfakkan on September 18 with its final stop planned at Dubai on September 25.
The event will witness the participation of close to 100 male, female players and 25 coaches from different clubs and centres for People of Determination with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from across the UAE.
Mr. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, remarked that “This tournament is a great opportunity for Athletes to train together and develop their skills. We are delighted to see the enthusiasm and motivation of Athletes, coaches, and support staff to return to the courts and participate in games with their peers, while we take all the necessary precautionary measures against COVID-19 to ensure everyone’s safety. We thank Jam Sports Academy for providing technical and organizational support to ensure the success of the tournament as we witness today and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination for hosting it.”
Sharing his pleasure about the initiative, Mr. Ahmed Sleiman, CEO of Jam Sports Academy, remarked that “We are very excited about this strategic partnership with Special Olympics UAE to gradually return the Athletes to regular participation in sport. Jams Sports Academy will continue to work with Special Olympics UAE on multiple upcoming programs to continue to develop the Athletes’ abilities to compete in regional and international competitions. We are thrilled to see Special Olympics UAE Athletes’ positive and eager participation in this basketball tournament, and look forward to offering handball, table tennis and tennis programs soon. Jam Sports Academy is committed to supporting and providing sports activities for People of Determination with Intellectual Disabilities to further inspire and empower them.”
3X3 BASKETBALL
Initially introduced in 2017 Austria Olympics, the 3×3 Basketball Sport is played with a half-court with three-a-side players, as opposed to five players in traditional basketball, with one substitute player for each team.
SUMMER WORLD GAMES BERLIN 2023
The upcoming 2023 Summer World Games at Berlin, Germany will be held from June 17 to June 24, 2023. This will be the first time Germany would be hosting the event which is expected to have participation from thousands of People of Determination with Intellectual Disabilities in 26 unified sports and activities.
The World Winter Games in Kazan, Russia was recently postponed to January 2023 due to the rising COVID-19 cases across the globe.
The World Winter Games in 2023 will have 2,000 athletes and sports partners from 108 countries along with 3,000 volunteers gathering from around the world highlighting the values of acceptance and inclusion through sports.
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