Children taking part in a previous edition of the summer camp.
Doha, Qatar: An annual summer camp designed especially for people with disabilities, organised by Qatar Foundation’s Ability Friendly programme in Qatar will return next month– offering a wide range of activities, an opportunity to play sports, explore new hobbies, and make new friendships in a welcoming environment.
The summer camp is divided into two groups and can accommodate up to 15 participants per group. The first camp runs from July 9 to 20 , with the second taking place from July 23 to August 3, and both will include activities such as cooking, pottery, origami, crafts, painting, science experiments, sensory play, yoga and swimming.
Nigel D’Souza, Programme and Events Coordinator and Summer Camp supervisor, said the initiative reflects the impact of the Ability Friendly Programme – part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education – on inclusivity and social progress in Qatar, and how it can benefit and even transform lives.
“We firmly believe that sports have the power to transcend limitations and unlock people’s true potential,” he said. “Our Summer Camp welcomes people with disabilities who are aged five years and above, allowing them to engage in a diverse range of sports programs tailored to their specific needs.
“Our objective is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Through our inclusive summer camp, we strive to help all participants access sports and recreation activities, regardless of their ability.
“We are proud to be a part of Qatar Foundation, an institution that embraces the values of accessibility and inclusivity. Our programmes are designed to ensure that every participant can actively engage, regardless of their abilities. We offer a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to explore their passions.”
Highlighting the Ability Friendly Programme’s impact on the lives of its participants, D’Souza said, “Through this programme, we see firsthand the remarkable benefits that sports bring to people’s lives — fostering physical well-being, boosting self-confidence, and cultivating lasting friendships — and we encourage more members of the Qatar community to enrol in sports activities.
“Sports know no boundaries. Regardless of ability, engaging in sports activities is vital for personal growth and development. Through the Ability Friendly Programme, we aim to provide a platform for individuals to explore new hobbies, challenge themselves, and discover their true potential.”
D’Souza also emphasised that the summer camp, and the Ability Friendly Programme, offers something for everyone, saying: “Our Ability Friendly Programme is not limited to children alone, our programme cater to adults as well.
“We strongly believe that people of all ages should have equal opportunities to engage in sports and lead active lives. By providing activities for both adults and children, we create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”
Enrolment for the summer camp is currently open, and places can be secured by registering through the Education City App, which is available for free on the Apple Store and Google Play. The camp fee is QR 1,000 for the full range of activities. For the full duration of the camp, every child participating must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
