Dubai: The third edition of the annual Unity Run will take place on November 16 at Dubai Silicon Oasis, said Emirates NBD, organiser of the event in partnership with Community Development Authority (CDA).
The event, launched under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination), aims to promote diversity and the social inclusion of people of determination in the UAE, and help transform Dubai into a disability-friendly city by 2020.
It will be open to children and adults of all abilities and ages.
This year, organisers have confirmed a record number of participants from centres and associations for people of determination. Participants will be completing an untimed 3 kilometre walk followed by a 10km run, wearing customised athletic gear styled to celebrate the UAE flag colours.
The run offers free entry to people of determination as well as their friends and family, and supports two major UAE educational institutions, Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities and Senses Residential and Day Care Centre, in addition to Emirates Red Crescent.
“We strongly believe in the power of collaboration between private and public sector entities to create a truly diverse, accessible and inclusive environment for everyone in the UAE, aligned to the #MyCommunity vision of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council,” said Husam Al Sayed, group chief human resource officer, Emirates NBD.
Meanwhile, Isphana Al Khatib, director of Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities, said the Unity Run is now an annual calendar event. “Our children and supporters eagerly look forward to it. It is a great event combining fun, focus on a cause, besides providing us with much needed support,” she said.
