Special Olympics Will Create a Legacy of Inclusion Through Art

Dubai, UAE, November 11, 2018:  Emirati artist Aisha Alblooshi led a group of young boys and girls with and without intellectual disabilities in a creative, fun, inclusive and inspiring doll-making workshop at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat on November 10th. The second in a series of Unified Art Workshops hosted by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and AMIDEAST, the interactive session involved children aged 12 to 18 years old and their families. A talented doll and miniatures artist, Ms Alblooshi builds her abstract creations using different materials and techniques. The Unified Art Workshops form part of a program of community events being held across the UAE to raise awareness of Special

Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, its principals and goals. The workshops form a key part of the legacy initiative for the Games and the LOC hopes to use art to unite people and break down boundaries between those with intellectual disabilities and those without. Also in attendance at the Unified Art Workshop were 12 young boys and girls, along with their parents and volunteers. Ms Alblooshi will host a second doll-making masterclass for youngsters on November 24th. A new program of artist-led workshops will take place on December 8th and 15th at Manarat Al Saadiyat with more events planned for the start of 2019. All the artworks produce during the workshops will be displayed at an inclusive art exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat during the World Games, which will run from 16 – 28 March 2019.