Dubai:Special Olympics UAE and the Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the inclusion of People of Determination in tennis. The collaboration focuses on expanding participation opportunities and developing athletes' skills through sports programs, training, and joint community initiatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed at the Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy, located at the Higher Colleges of Technology's Dubai Academic City campus. The signing was attended by Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, global tennis star Ons Jabeur, and representatives from both organizations.
The partnership outlines four key areas of collaboration, including promoting the inclusion of People of Determination in tennis and training coaches to better understand intellectual and developmental disabilities. It also aims to introduce the concept of Unified Sports, identify sporting talent, and expand access to tennis training opportunities. Ons Jabeur will play a significant role in raising community awareness and encouraging more People of Determination to engage in sports.
Al Hashemi expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to strengthen tennis in the Special Olympics UAE community and nurture sporting talent. He emphasized the importance of collaborations with specialized sports academies to create inclusive environments for People of Determination.
Karim Kammoun from the Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy acknowledged the partnership's reflection of their belief in accessible tennis for all. He expressed eagerness to leverage the Special Olympics UAE's expertise to enhance the academy's coaching capabilities and support athlete participation.
The partnership builds on the achievements of Special Olympics UAE tennis athletes, who earned three medals at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. Among the MoU signing attendees was tennis athlete Clari Lehmkuhl, who secured medals at both the Berlin Games and the BAUHAUS Down Syndrome World Championships 2026.
The event included a specialized training workshop for the academy's coaches, focusing on effective communication with People of Determination and the concept of Unified Sports. This workshop is part of Special Olympics UAE's broader efforts to expand sports opportunities and promote community inclusion for People of Determination.
