What was once taboo is now being celebrated at Gulf Autism Centre’s sports day

Gulf Autism Centre’s annual sports day at Al Jazira last week was, according to its organisers, there for one thing: to put a smile on the face of every child taking part, writes Ali Khaled.

Children take part in the Gulf Autism Centre’s sports day marking World Autism Awareness Month at the Al Jazira Sports Club in Abu Dhabi last week. It was the 10th edition of the event. Christopher Pike / The NationalShow less

It may not have been one of the biggest sporting days of the year in the UAE, but for a select group of children, perhaps none are as life ­changing.

Gulf Autism Centre’s annual sports day at Al Jazira last week was, according to its organisers, there for one thing: to put a smile on the face of every child taking part.

“The idea behind our programme was that kids with autism need activities and playtime, and not just teaching and training,” said Mariam Ahmed Al Mazrouie, vice president of the centre in Abu Dhabi.

“People might not think sport is a priority, but it’s very ­important.

“Physically and mentally, you can see when they achieve something in sports they are happy and more relaxed.

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“The children have a lot of extra energy, we allow them to release it through sport.”

This was the 10th edition of what Al Mazrouie calls “the ­festival”.

Though some kids were clearly more shy and reluctant, and others simply got tired, the benefits were clear.

“Just look at how happy they are,” Al Mazrouie said. “You can see it even on the parents; they enjoy it and are more relaxed.

“Getting them out in public among a large number of people in itself is an achievement.

“At first, they couldn’t handle the noise – big crowds scared them – but look at them now. It means there is hope that they can have a normal life, with proper effort and training.

“You should never think that there is no hope or that effort is wasted.”

The man with the task of organising the day’s activities was Ibrahim Mohammed, an Egyptian specialist coach who has been at the centre for four years.

“The standards have improved in every aspect,” he said.

“Consistent training brings results, and not just in sports.”

Every year, more centres are taking part: 10 this year, each entering 15 children. Though mostly for children with autism, the programme is open to some with other ­disabilities.

Mohammed, who has been at Gulf Autism Centre for four years, lays out the sports-day ­programme.

For the children under age 6 there are two activities: ball handling and a 20-metre race.

The second group (ages 6 to 9) has obstacle running and basketball throws, while children 10 years and over take part in four games each: basketball free throws, running, medicine ball throwing and kicking a football on goal.

Degrees of difficulty rise with each age group and, throughout the day, a group of certified, independent coaches from the UAE armed forces oversees every step of the ­competition.

Mohammed is in a prime position to see the positive effects of the programme on the children.

“We have learning classes, computer classes and creative classes at the centre” he said. “Every year we have online competitions, and children are tested in a variety of subjects and programmes.”

Children with autism often have a great affinity with screen-based media.

“They love computer games,” the coach said.

“Every kid is always under supervision, of course, but when they are playing games alone, they are extremely focused.”

Al Mazrouie agreed that introversion can often bring out the best in certain individuals.

“They are very proficient in using computers and navigating the internet,” she said.

“They are clever, we direct them in the right way. Even in gaming, there has to be a goal.”

In the past, centres faced obstacles convincing parents to embrace their programmes. Disabilities, to this day, remain a sensitive subject in much of the Arab world.

“Some families used to be shy, but now everyone is co-operating,” Mohammed said.

“They enter their children in many external activities. They are starting to adapt.”

Al Mazrouie reiterated the importance of social acceptance.

“Parents have a role to play every day,” she said.

“Parents are with us, hand in hand – at home, in the centre, everywhere.”

What was once taboo is, for some at least, now being ­celebrated.

“Now when they see what their children can achieve they are proud,” Al Mazrouie said.

“At the beginning they used to be conservative, not giving their names or not allowing pictures to be taken.

“Now they are happy to have their photos taken or be filmed on video. They are so proud their kids have ­improved.”

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