Manama:The General Sports Authority (GSA), in partnership with Health Mates Society, the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, and Special Olympics Bahrain, has launched a national initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This initiative, called 'Mujtama' Thahabi' (Golden Community), was announced in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the initiative was unveiled during a press conference at the Media Hall of Bahrain National Stadium. The event was attended by key figures including Dr. Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar, CEO of the GSA; Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee; Dr. Areej Al Saad, Vice President of Health Mates Society; and Jassim Al Majed, Board Member of Health Mates Society.
The initiative aims to integrate sports into the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing health, sports, and awareness programs tailored to their needs. Al Jenan Medical Centre is sponsoring the initiative, offering medical examinations to participants. The initiative is part of the broader Golden Community programs, which focus on enhancing community participation through sport.
Dr. Askar emphasized His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa's commitment to the initiative's success, highlighting its role in establishing physical activity as part of community culture. The program will include medical screenings, health assessments, and empowerment activities, with the involvement of families and caregivers being a key component.
The initiative will be implemented in five stages, starting with the formation of a multidisciplinary team and followed by standardized assessments, personalized program design, family empowerment workshops, and performance monitoring. The program aims to prevent obesity, improve fitness, and promote independence among participants, while strengthening Bahrain's position in inclusive sports.