Dubai: More than 750 people took part in a walkathon held to support people of determination at Dubai Knowledge Park on Friday morning.
Under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ‘We Walk’ was organised by TECOM Group in association with Al Jalila Foundation.
All proceeds from the walkathon, including registration fees and optional donations, are to be presented to Al Jalila Foundation to provide life-transforming support to children and adults with determination, said organisers in a statement on Friday.
Children with disabilities were excited about participating in the community event.
Joel, a 15-year-old boy with Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder and a student at Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities, was one such participant.
He expressed his happiness in participating in the walkathon along with many members of the society to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining health for children of determination.
Nick Watson, founder and chairman of Reaching U Foundation and father of a nine-year-old, said he was looking forward to taking part in many initiatives of this kind in the future to contribute significantly to raising levels of integration in the society.
Zainab Al Eqabi, advocate for people of determination, said: “The success of this walkathon in attracting participants from various cultural backgrounds and nationalities in supporting people of determination in the UAE is the outcome of the ongoing coordination between the UAE government and the country’s public and private sector entities in promoting integration to achieve happiness for all citizens and residents. It has been truly uplifting to be part of ‘We Walk’ this morning.”
Speaking on the occasion, Muna Al Muhairbi, head of Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability at TECOM Group, said: “In line with the Year of Zayed objectives, today’s walkathon was inspired by the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote community participation and raise awareness about people of determination.
“Furthermore, the walkathon highlighted key initiatives implemented by the public and private sectors in empowering such people and ensuring they join the mainstream as productive members of society.”
A spokesperson from Al Jalila Foundation said the foundation is proud to be a part of such an inspiring movement.
“Community events such as ‘We Walk’ go a long way towards boosting solidarity and a culture of inclusivity in society. We commend TECOM Group and every participant and volunteer who turned up this morning to support this impressive event.”
Among the senior executives of TECOM Group’s entities who participated in ‘We Walk’ was Ammar Al Malek, executive director of Dubai Internet City.
He said: “I am proud to join today’s walkathon that was an opportunity for us to integrate with and better understand people of determination in a pleasant and festive atmosphere. I encourage all entities across sectors to undertake similar initiatives on a regular basis to accelerate this movement.”
