The University of Sharjah was abuzz this week as it played host to the International Scientific Conference on Adapted Physical Activity for West Asia and the Middle East, drawing an impressive array of global experts, policymakers, researchers, and athletes. Held under the patronage of the Sharjah Government and attended by His Excellency Sheikh Majid bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of the Sharjah Executive Council, and Head of the Department of Suburbs and Villages Affairs, the event marked a significant milestone for disability sports in the region.

Organized by the West Asia Paralympic Federation under the banner “Partnership for the Future,” the conference brought together representatives from national Paralympic committees across West Asia and beyond. The gathering aimed to elevate the standards of sports for people of determination, offering practical solutions to the challenges facing the field and fostering a spirit of international collaboration.

The conference opened with the UAE national anthem, followed by remarks from Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bani Rashid, President of the West Asia Paralympic Federation. He emphasized the conference’s role as a vital scientific and practical platform for building sustainable and innovative sports programs through enhanced global cooperation. Dr. Bani Rashid also highlighted the strategic partnerships underpinning the event, including collaborations with the World Disability Union (WDU), the Sharjah Sports Council, and three distinguished universities: the University of Sharjah, the Hashemite University in Jordan, and the University of Belgrade in Serbia. These partnerships stem from a Memorandum of Understanding designed to advance research and development in adapted sports.

Dr. Tareq bin Khadem, Vice President of the World Disability Union, praised Sharjah’s leadership under His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah, for its unwavering support of education, sports, and scientific research. He noted that hosting the conference in Sharjah underscores the emirate’s status as a global hub for excellence in these fields.

In his address, His Excellency Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the University’s deep commitment to applied research, purposeful education, and community development. He stressed the University’s dedication to advancing adapted sports and physical activity for people of determination, ensuring equal opportunities in education, research, and services for all students. Professor Agamy highlighted the University’s Disabiliy Resource Center, established in 2016 by Emiri decree, as a beacon of hope and inclusion, providing comprehensive support and empowerment for this vital segment of the student body.

Dr. Omar Hendawi, Chair of the Conference’s Scientific Committee, explained that the event seeks to drive positive change in the lives of people of determination by harnessing sport as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and social integration. He noted the conference’s role in attracting researchers from around the world to present the latest studies and share pioneering experiences in the field.

The opening ceremony concluded with His Excellency Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi honoring the event sponsors, strategic partners, and members of the conference’s Board of Trustees and scientific committee, in recognition of their efforts to make this landmark event a success. Attendees were also treated to a short film showcasing the West Asia Paralympic Federation’s achievements in advancing disability sports, reflecting the region’s ongoing commitment to this vital cause.

Over the coming days, the conference will feature a series of scientific sessions and specialized workshops, delving into the latest global trends and developments in adapted sports. True to its theme, “Partnership for the Future,” the event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in building a more inclusive sporting world.