Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed pledges $25 million to support Special Olympics education project


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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed pledged $25 million (Dh91.8m) to help fund the global expansion of an inclusive education project led by the Special Olympics movement.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces delivered the cash boost to enable the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools initiative to improve even more lives all over the world.

The initiative already has a footprint in 49 states in the US and supports 285,000 pupils in more than 7,600 schools internationally.

Its programmes promote a culture of acceptance for young people of all backgrounds, including those with intellectual disabilities, through sports activities, youth leadership and other initiatives.

The major investment will allow the organisation to operate in six more countries: Egypt, India, Pakistan, Argentina, Romania and Rwanda.

“The Special Olympics movement is being led by young leaders with and without intellectual disabilities who are emerging as the world’s greatest teachers of empathy, dignity, courage and inclusion,” said Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics.

“As we search for a more just and joyful future, we are trusting our hopes to young inclusive leaders who see beyond division and fear and show us how to heal and unite.

"I am deeply grateful that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has made an extraordinary commitment to our athletes and their unified partners in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools.

"His vision and generosity will empower young people around the world to break down barriers caused by injustice and intolerance, end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities and establish inclusive cultures where every human being is respected, valued and welcomed."

Young people with intellectual disabilities are among those most underserved by education systems globally, the Special Olympics organisation said.

"Of the 65 million primary school-age children who are out of school around the world, nearly half have disabilities," the Special Olympics said.

The UAE is working to ensure the success of last year's Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi has a profound and lasting legacy.

“The UAE and Special Olympics have a shared vision of a world without discrimination against people of determination,” said Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US.

“Hosting the World Games in Abu Dhabi last year reinforced our commitment to build a society where people of all cultures and abilities are welcomed and celebrated.

"The advancement of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools initiative will root the values of tolerance and inclusion in educational systems around the world.”

Specs
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Director: Shonali Bose

Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf

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6.35pm: Race of Future – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (Turf) 2,410m
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7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
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7.45pm: Business Bay Challenge – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Storm Damage, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor

20.20pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed (TB) $100,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Appreciated, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill

8.55pm: Singspiel Stakes – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
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9.30pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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18

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450,000

More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps

1.5 million

There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m

73

The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association

18,000

The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme

77,400

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4,926

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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Results:

6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed

7.40pm: Handicap (T) $145,000 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes

8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) $200,000 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) $200,000 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor

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When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

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Director:Anthony Hayes

Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes

Rating:3/5