Abu Dhabi: An Emirati Paralympic champion’s inspiring talk at the launch of a national initiative ‘Express Your Love for UAE’ received praise from Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
Sara Mohammad Al Senaani, invited Shaikh Saif to officially launch the initiative and her introductory words received loud applause from the audience.
“By taking part in athletics at the Rio Paralympics 2016, I have proved to my nation that I am capable of overcoming obstacles. I am here today representing my country as the first Emirati woman medallist at the Paralympics. I hope to motivate other girls to do the same,” said Al Senani, a 23-year-old student who became the UAE’s first-ever woman Paralympic medallist when she won a historic bronze in the shot put F33 event in Rio 2016 Paralympics.
Shaikh Saif greeted her, praised her accomplishments and launched the event along with her by clicking the initiative’s smartphone application “LoveforUAE” and website “loveforUAE.com”.
Shaikh Saif also launched the ‘International Aqdar Summit’, under the slogan ‘Enlighten minds for country’s prosperity’ aimed at enhancing good virtue and constructive values among youth.
Shaikh Saif commented: “The love for our country is fundamental for our youth and children to be creative, passionate and innovative. This will in return contribute to the country’s prosperity, international pioneership, distinctive position and reputation.”
“Expressing our love for the country reflects our devotion, commitment and dedication to our leadership and dear nation. We have to follow suit and work on developing our achievements and international recognition on all renaissance aspects,” Shaikh Saif added.
The initiative to give an opportunity for all segments of society was launched by the Khalifa Empowerment Programme for Students (Aqdar) under the Ministry of Interior.
Doctor Ahmad Abdullah Humaid Bel Houl Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education; Dr Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, Head of Abu Dhabi Education Council; Lt Gen Saif Abdullah Al Shaafar, Undersecretary of Ministry of Interior, and Lieutenant General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police Chief, attended the ceremony.
Mariam Saeed Al Otaiba, a 13-year old Emirati girl, was excited to be part of a group photo with Shaikh Saif.
“I heard that Shaikh Saif will post the picture with us on Instagram and I am eagerly waiting for it.”
The event featured videos about the initiative and interactive presentations from residents expressing their love for the UAE, each in his and her own way.
Students of different nationalities took part in several activities expressing their love for the UAE.
Poets from the UK, India, El Salvador, Russia and Nigeria recited poems in their native languages expressing their love for the UAE.
UAE poet Juma Al Ghowes recited a poem about the UAE being a very tolerant country.
