'Inspirational' Emirati Special Olympics sprinter Hamda Al Hosani receives honorary doctorate

University of Middlesex Dubai said the runner was a natural choice for inspiring people with disabilities

Emirati sprinter Hamda Al Hosani receives an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University in Dubai for raising the profile of women in sports and changing the perception of people with disabilities. The athlete - who won Special Olympics medals in the 100m and 200m - is recognised at a special ceremony at the Dubai Opera on Saturday. Courtesy: Middlesex University DubaiShow less

She has more than 18 Special Olympic medals to her name but on Saturday, Emirati athlete Hamda Al Hosani added an honorary doctorate to her collection of accolades.

The 100m and 200m sprinter was presented with a doctorate degree from Middlesex University Dubai for her achievements in sports and for empowering people with disabilities.

The degree was handed to her during a special ceremony at the Dubai Opera on Saturday, after which about 1,000 university students received their degrees.

Hamda's story is moving because from not even being able to walk at one stage, she has shone on the world stage

University officials said she was a natural choice and wanted to recognise Ms Al Hosani’s work to raise the profile of women in sports and change the perception of people with disabilities.

She won a gold and two silver medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in March this year and was among 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities who represented the UAE.

The distinction is significant for the athlete, who has always been determined to break down stereotypes against people with intellectual disabilities.

“From a young age I wanted to achieve my dream but I was concerned that my epilepsy would hold me back,” said Ms Al Hosani, 30.

“I am determined to progress more and more each day.”

Ms Al Hosani has never let epilepsy get in the way of success. She has had mild seizures on the track and got back to training as soon as she recovered.

Her disability came to a head in grade 6, when she struggled to walk and was forced to stay home for two years due to recurring health issues.

Always active, she resumed playing basketball and running. With her mother’s encouragement, she joined the Special Olympics team and has never looked back.

Saturday was the first time Middlesex University Dubai recognised the achievements of an athlete in the region. The honorary doctorate has been awarded to top businessmen and ministers over the past decade.

“Hamda is an inspiration for everyone because of the great heights she has reached and how she has preserved against all odds,” said Cedwyn Fernandes, vice chancellor of the university.

Fireworks during the This is Me performance by Keale Settle at the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 at Zayed Sports City. Reem Mohammed / The National

Keale Settle participate in the closing ceremony. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Performers participate during the closing ceremony. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Performers participate during the closing ceremony. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Representatives of the next Special Olympics deliver a speech. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Performers participate during the closing ceremony. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Fireworks at the Special Olympics closing ceremony. Reem Mohammed / The National

The Special Olympics flag is being brought down. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi Police presents the Special Olympics flag to the upcoming Special Olympics host. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

George Weah, President of Liberia, delivers a speech. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, delivers a speech. Seen with Sheikha Rawdha bint Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, delivers a speech on behalf of HH Sheikha Maryam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, right, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Director of the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, attend the closing ceremony. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Suhail bin Mohamed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, right, attends the closing ceremony. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, Chairman of Masdar and CEO of ADNOC Group, left, and Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, UAE Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, attend the closing ceremony. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

From left: Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister for Climate Change and Environment; Dr Ahmed Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of State for Higher Education; Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber; and Ahmed Juma Al Zaab, attend the closing ceremony. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics, left, and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member, attend the closing ceremony. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Performers participate during the closing ceremony. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Performers participate in the closing ceremony. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Nicole Scherzinger performed “Victorious” at closing ceremony. Reem Mohammed / The National

Waleed Al Shami sings during the closing ceremony. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Hamad Al Ameri performs during the closing ceremony. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Rashed Al Majed sings during the closing ceremony. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Mr. Shriver, centre, leads the opening speeches.Victor Besa/The National

Participants of the parade at the Special Olympics closing ceremony. Reem Mohammed / The National

Volunteers gets a rousing cheer. Victor Besa / The National

Faisal Bin Huraiz, left, and Mariam Al Amiri present during the closing ceremony. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Nicole Scherzinger performs live in the stadium, with her second song, Victorious, written for the Special Olympics. Victor Besa / The National

Fans and athletes packed into the Zayed Sports City Stadium. Reem Mohammed/The National

Fans and athletes packed into the Zayed Sports City Stadium. Reem Mohammed/The National

The flame flickers during the closing ceremony. Reem Mohammed / The National

The ceremony gets under way Reem Mohammed / The National

The ceremony gets under way Reem Mohammed / The National

Athletes attend the closing ceremony. Hamad Al Mansoori for Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Team UAE members. Reem Mohammed / The National

Team UAE members. Victor Besa / The National

Fans inside the stadium. Reem Mohammed / The National

Fans inside the stadium. Victor Besa / The National

“Hamda’s story is moving because from not even being able to walk at one stage, she has shone on the world stage.

“The message to our students is whatever the challenge, your future is in your hands and you can make it out to be what you want it to be.”

The university said Ms Al Hosani's achievements caught their attention following the coverage of the Special Olympics in The National.

“The Special Olympics has made a massive difference in terms of awareness because people understand the need to include everyone as part of society,” Mr Fernandes said.

“There is a realisation that we are not doing a favour when we get people of determination to work or to a university but that they belong.”

The UAE Special Olympics team said hosting the World Games in Abu Dhabi brought into focus the global mission to promote social change for people with intellectual disabilities using the power of sport.

“We are really proud for Hamda,” said Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE.

“This degree shows that the movement will keep growing. It’s a very important moment for us and shows that being unified is part of our culture and community.”

Ms Al Hosani gave a short speech at the ceremony, where she was cheered on by her family and team members who have supported her.

The honorary doctorate was previously been awarded to Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World chairman, Tim Clark, Emirates airline president and Yusuff Ali, chairman of the Lulu Group.